A recent Prosper event in Aberdeen where Dr Fiona Simpson, Chief Planner, Scottish Government, met with the Union Street Technical Panel. Image: Aberdeen Inspired
Aberdeen Inspired has welcomed the Scottish Government’s newly launched consultation on permitted development rights (PDR), describing it as a positive opportunity to reactivating the many underused upper floors in city centres – a key opportunity to support the long-term vitality of places like Aberdeen.
The consultation, published on 3 September 2025, explores how expanding PDR could simplify the conversion of certain buildings – including upper floors – into new homes or other appropriate uses. While housing is a key focus, Aberdeen Inspired emphasises that a flexible, place-based approach is needed to realise the full potential of these spaces
Adrian Watson, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “This consultation is a welcome development and reflects growing recognition that our city centres must evolve. For us, the priority is clear: we must bring underused upper floors back to life – whether for housing, creative workspace, health and wellbeing, hospitality, or other uses that contribute to a thriving city centre ecosystem.
Union Street, like many high streets across the country and beyond, has huge untapped potential above ground level. Activating these spaces is essential if we want a city centre that is vibrant, sustainable, and commercially resilient.”
Aberdeen Inspired has been, in many ways, at the fore on this issue from a UK perspective, having produced a Union Street Upper Floors feasibility report in partnership with High Streets expert Iain Nicholson, Founder of the Vacant Shops Academy. The report led to the creation of a groundbreaking specialist Upper Floors Technical Panel, engagement with the Scottish Government Chief Planner, and presented its findings to governments, placemaking organisations and a number of other local authorities across the country. Important to note that this is still on ongoing piece of critical work.
“Getting this right isn’t about choosing between speed and sensitivity,” Mr Watson added. “It’s about enabling high-quality, appropriate reuse of buildings that respects our city’s character while supporting its future.”
Aberdeen Inspired will contribute a detailed response to the consultation and continue to work closely with local and national partners to ensure that any new planning frameworks help deliver a people-first city centre – where businesses can thrive, residents can live well, and visitors want to return.