Explanatory note

These Regulations revoke and re-enact with amendments the Building Standards (Relaxation by Local Authorities) (Scotland) Regulations 1991.

The Regulations extend the powers of local authorities to dispense with or relax provisions of the building standards regulations in relation to particular buildings. Local authorities will, from the date on which these Regulations come into force, determine application for dispensation and relaxation for all new buildings, alterations, extensions and changes of use, except for cases where an application for a warrant in respect of the building has been referred to the Secretary of State. The excepted cases will continue to be dealt with by the Secretary of State.

The Regulations also make transitional provision to deal with cases where application for warrant has been made before the date on which these Regulations come into force.