Shetland Islands Council is inviting the public to comment on proposals relating to the three established conservation areas of the Lerwick Lanes, Lerwick New Town, and Scalloway.

The Council, acting as the Planning Authority, recently completed a review of the three conservation area appraisals, originally carried out in 2010. The aim is to ensure the documents reflect any changes to the areas and align with current planning policy and guidance.

While the review found relatively little change to the character and appearance of the areas, it noted a considerable deterioration in the overall maintenance and repair of buildings, along with a noticeable increase in the use of inappropriate modern details and materials, such as replacement windows and doors.

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The current proposals include:

• Reviewing Permitted Development rights to align with current legislation. Permitted Development rights cover certain building works, such as minor extensions, that may not require full planning permission.

• Giving consideration to the introduction of Areas of Special Advertising Control to ensure signage complements the area's character.

• Creating new guidance on key topics, including the repair and maintenance of traditional buildings, shopfront design, and external finishes.

The public consultation period runs until Tuesday, 4 November 2025.

Two public drop-in sessions will be held:

• Scalloway Youth Centre on Thursday, 9 October, from 12pm to 5pm.

• Islesburgh Community Centre, Lerwick on Friday, 31 October, from 2pm to 6pm.

The proposals will later be presented in a report to Councillors, taking into account the public comments received. The Council notes that conservation areas are designated because they are of "special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance."