To ask the Scottish Executive why agricultural planning application charges are, for applications in respect of areas of less than 465 square meters, a flat rate of £42 and, for applications in respect of larger areas, £220 for the first 465 square metres and a further £220 for every additional 75 square metres.

The introduction of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development)(Scotland) Order 1992 in March 1992 removed permitted development rights from agricultural buildings in excess of 465 square metres or 12 metres in height. It was considered that the larger structures should be subject to planning control in order to ensure that their effect on the landscape, particularly the sensitivity of build and location, could be taken fully into account in the deliberation process. While no planning fee is charged on agricultural buildings not exceeding 465 square metres the developer must apply to the authority for prior approval which currently costs £42.