The agreement of the Forestry Commission needs to be obtained and the land must have access from an existing road. This procedure determines, on a topographic or survey, where the coast line is drawn and the point from which building is permitted. Detailed plans must be submitted for approval to ensure that the proposed building is in harmony with its environment and that it is of safe construction. Qualified surveyors and architects are available to advise on these matters and to progress all formalities. These regulations are reasonably straight forward and are designed to ensure the preservation of the island from haphazard or ugly development.
Different regulations apply to commercial developments.
Water, Electricity and Drainage . Most villages have their own mains supply, which can be connected quite cheaply. In some parts of the island it is possible to sink a well for your own water supply. The cost of connecting electricity is dependent upon the distance from the nearest supply and can normally be achieved within two months. Before a property is connected to a mains supply, the authorities require certification that the house has been built according to the planning license issued and that electrical wiring conforms to the regulations.