Over the weekend of 3 and 4 October, we were at the Homebuilding & Renovating Show at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh helping visitors with their planning questions and ideas for their homes. 

Over the two days, our staff and volunteers spoke to members of the public at the Planning Clinic about projects at different stages, from early ideas to questions arising during the planning process. 

We also delivered seminars on both days. Our Planning and Projects Officer Anne Krippler MRTPI presented “How to Get Planning Permission: The Key to Unlocking Development Potential”, covering some of the key things people need to understand when taking a development or home improvement project through the planning process. 

A huge thank you to all our volunteers who gave up their time over the weekend to support the event and share their planning knowledge with visitors. 

What were people asking us? 

Home projects can quickly lead to planning questions, particularly when you are trying to understand whether you need permission and what you need to do next. 

Some of the most common questions we hear are about: 

• extending or altering a home 

• building a new home 

• building holiday lets  

• converting or changing the use of a building 

• understanding whether planning permission is required 

• permitted development rights 

Speaking to a planner early can help people understand what they need to consider before progressing further with a project. 

More than planning advice 

One of the benefits of the Homebuilding & Renovating Show is being able to speak directly to people with expertise across different parts of a home project. 

Visitors can explore products and materials, attend seminars and masterclasses, and speak to professionals about their plans. The show includes opportunities to speak one-to-one with planning experts, architects, builders and home energy specialists through its Advice Centre. 

If you are considering an extension, renovating an older property, building your own home or exploring what might be possible, the shows are a useful opportunity to bring your questions and get advice from a range of professionals in one place. 

If you have a planning question but can’t make it to one of the shows, you can also contact Planning Aid Scotland’s free Advice Service for independent information and guidance on the planning system. 

Missed us in Edinburgh? 

The next Homebuilding & Renovating Show takes place in Glasgow on 22 and 23 May 2027. 

If you have a building, renovation or home improvement project in mind, you can come along to explore ideas, attend talks, speak to architects and other specialists, and ask planners your questions about the planning process. 

Find upcoming dates, locations and more information on the Homebuilding & Renovating Show website