The Scottish Government is consulting on potential measures to simplify planning processes in a bid to tackle the country's housing emergency.

The proposals aim to make it easier for developers to provide new homes in rural areas as well as in town and city centres.

The potential changes would focus on permitted development rights, which allow certain developments to go ahead without the need for a full planning application. This would reduce costs and administrative burdens, helping to streamline small-scale residential developments.

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The consultation also includes potential changes to make it easier for homeowners and developers to install domestic air source heat pumps and to connect buildings to heat networks, supporting Scotland’s climate change goals.

Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee said the changes could "speed up and streamline the provision of new homes." He added that the proposals would also allow planning authorities to "focus their efforts more on assessing and making decisions on planning applications more swiftly."

The government is keen to hear views on the options for introducing new permitted development rights or amending existing ones in relation to rural homes, town centre living, and other uncontentious developments.