West Dunbartonshire councillors are set to go head-to-head with the Scottish Government again – over proposed changes to the planning system.

MSPs at Holyrood want to overhaul the current legislation, which could see costs rise for homeowners planning to make changes to their houses, as well as building contractors.

When asked “do you agree with the vision proposed [for the planning system] in this consultation paper”, the council looks set to answer “no”.

They were asked to respond to 153 questions in connection with proposed government changes.

Council staff carry out research and draw up a report, before it is presented to councillors to make the final decision.

But they pointed out this wasn’t the first survey on this topic – and that their previous responses to similar questions had been “ignored”.

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The Scottish Government wants to increase planning fees as they claim current ones cover “on average 63 per cent of the cost of determining an application.”

If passed, the key changes would see fees for house extensions increase from £202 to £300, while charges for smaller alterations, including windows, sheds and garages, would decrease to £150.

Ministers also want to formalise a mechanism of annual performance reporting from each local authority.

A final decision will be taken at the council’s planning committee meeting on February 12.