Guidance
Note 8
Working from Home |
Back to Index |
INTRODUCTION
1. The purpose of this Note is to
give guidance to people who are considering working from home. It is accepted,
particularly with new technologies now available that more and more people will
find it possible and convenient to work from their home. A number of other
factors such as increasing traffic congestion in towns and cities and high
commercial property costs makes working from home in some instances very
attractive.
2. Some businesses can easily and
suitably be operated from a house, particularly ones in which a single or small
number of rooms are used mainly as a phone or postal point, do not involve
visiting members of the public (or visiting staff) and generate no noise or
disturbance to neighbours.
3. The main consideration is what
effect the use will have on the neighbours and the amenity of the area in
general. A balance requires to be struck between a) what individuals can do
within their own property, and b) controls on activities which adversely affect
the amenity of neighbours. People living in quiet residential areas rightly
expect their amenity to be protected from unacceptable neighbouring uses.
4. When it is proposed to operate a
business from a house, planning permission may be required. In general terms
the use of one room of a house for a business which generates no clients,
traffic or noise will not require planning permission as there will be no
material effect on the use of the house or on the residential environment of
the area. Use of more than one room generally will require planning permission
as will any use affecting the amenity of the surrounding properties. Activities
will generally not be allowed which generate noise, on-street car parking, high
levels of traffic, where heavy goods vehicles will be based at the site or
where the amenity of the area will be adversely affected.
5. The information required to
assess whether planning permission will be required, and if so, whether it is
likely to be acceptable, includes the following;
a) What type of business is it?
b) What type of property is it?,
e.g. detached, semi-detached, terraced or flatted.
c) How many rooms has the house
and how many of these will be used for the business?
d) How many staff will work at
the house and how many of these do not live at the house?
e) How many visitors/clients will
there be to the house per day/week?
f) Is there any off-street
parking at the site?
g) What hours will it be
operating?
h) What vehicles will be based at
the site and will there be any business deliveries?
i) Will any machinery/equipment
be used?
j) Will any materials/goods be
stored at the site?
6. Each case is determined on its
merits as types of properties and areas vary greatly. It is not therefore
possible to give a definitive list of which uses will be acceptable. A use
which may be appropriate in a detached house with private gardens and parking
may not be appropriate in a flat. Uses which will be acceptable in flats will
be restricted due to there being shared facilities such as access and gardens
and therefore the impact of any activities on neighbours can be greatly
increased.
7. The use of the property should
not spoil the residential appearance of the house or area in general, and
businesses should not be intrusive in the area by for example the introduction
of signs.
8. Where a business is unsuitable
for a house, the Council would encourage its location in proper business
premises, either in the town centres/local shopping areas or in
industrial/office buildings suitably designed and located for the use. Scottish
Enterprise Dunbartonshire (the local Enterprise Company) may be able to assist
anyone in looking for commercial premises.
Should you require any further information please do not hesitate to
contact :
The Planning Office,
Development Quality Section,
The Triangle,
Bishopbriggs G64 2TR
Tel: 0141 578 8000