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
Roads Construction Consent (RCC) is legally required when a developer wants to build new roads or extend existing ones within a development. Even if planning permission has already been granted, RCC is a completely separate consent. The council must check that proposed new roads meet technical, engineering, safety, drainage and adoptability standards - often more detailed and prescriptive than the design considerations assessed at planning stage. Because planning permission focuses on placemaking, layout, walkability and urban design, and RCC focuses on engineering compliance and safety requirements, conflicts can arise. The RCC duty ensures the council undertakes a detailed engineering review, resolves inconsistencies between planning and roads requirements, and confirms that designs comply with both planning conditions and roads legislation.
Legal status
Statutory
Duty category
Planning
Roads and transport
Duty type
Compliance
Social determinant of health
Neighbourhood and environment
Emerging policy and legislation
0
National bodies with shared interest
Scottish Collaboration of Transportation Specialists (SCOTS)
Transport Scotland
Heads of Planning Scotland (HOPS)
Society of Local Authority Lawyers and Administrators in Scotland (SOLAR)
Standards and frameworks
1