DISCLAIMER:
This duty is currently under review and has not yet been formally signed off by the relevant professional association. The information provided is for reference only and should not be treated as final or authoritative guidance. Please verify any decisions against approved sources or seek professional advice. Updates will be published once sign-off is complete.
Simple terms explainer
A landowner can serve a Purchase Notice on the council if planning decisions leave them unable to reasonably use, develop, or sell their land. When this happens, the council must review the circumstances and decide whether to accept the notice and purchase the land itself, or whether the matter should be referred to Scottish Ministers for a final decision. The purpose of the process is to ensure fair treatment for landowners whose land has effectively become unusable because of planning decisions or restrictions, while balancing the public interest.
Legal status
Statutory
Duty category
Planning
Duty type
Compliance
Social determinant of health
Neighbourhood and environment
Economic stability
Emerging policy and legislation
1
National bodies with shared interest
Heads of Planning Scotland (HOPS)
Standards and frameworks
2