People often come to Planning Aid Scotland because they are unsure how the planning system applies to their situation. They may be thinking about building their own home, extending a property, converting a building, or simply trying to understand whether planning permission is needed.  

Getting advice early can help people understand the process before they commit time, money or energy to a proposal.  As our Planning & Policy Manager, David Wood explains:

“They want advice from a reliable source so they can have peace of mind that the approach they’re taking – whatever that might be – is correct.”

Planning Aid Scotland staff and volunteers attended the Homebuilding & Renovating Show in Glasgow, offering free one-to-one planning advice to members of the public through 15-minute advice clinics. David described the value of offering advice in-person:

“Giving in-person advice at events like these is always enjoyable. It is nice to be able to sit down and talk through issues, see the people behind the questions and feel like you’re really making a difference.”

The Advice Centre was busy across the weekend of 9-10 May, with visitors bringing a range of planning questions. A short conversation with someone who knows the system can help people identify the next step, whether that is checking permitted development rights, speaking to their planning authority, or seeking more detailed professional advice. 

Thank you to the volunteers who joined us in Glasgow over the weekend and shared their professional expertise. 

Interested in volunteering? 

Planning Aid Scotland will also be offering advice at the Edinburgh edition of the Homebuilding & Renovating Show on 3–4 October 2026. We welcome expressions of interest from chartered planners and built environment professionals who would like to volunteer at future advice clinics. To find out more, please contact volunteer@pas.org.uk 

Looking for planning advice? 

Visit the Advice Service page for information sheets, FAQs and more details.