Lawful development certificate
If there is doubt about whether an existing use of a site or building is permitted under planning law, or if a proposed development requires planning permission, an application can be made for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC), or Certificate of Lawfulness.
This may be useful, for example, when negotiating the sale of a property, when it may be necessary to demonstrate that a development has all the necessary permissions, or when determining whether proposals are ‘permitted developments’ for which a planning application is not required.
An application for a Lawful Development Certificate can be made to the local planning authority. The application should include enough information to enable the local planning authority to determine whether the development is in fact lawful or not. It can be wise to consult with the local planning authority before making an application to discuss whether the application is likely to be successful and what information is required.
An application fee is payable to the local planning authority.
If the application is refused, the applicant can appeal to the planning inspectorate.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Certificate of Lawfulness of Proposed Works.
- Certificates in the construction industry.
- Development Management Procedure Order.
- Established use certificate.
- Permitted development.
- Planning authority.
- Planning inspectorate.
- Planning permission.
- Site selection and acquisition.
- Sui generis and planning permission.
- Technical due diligence for development sites.
Featured articles and news
How can digital twins boost profitability within construction?
A brief description of a smart construction dashboard, collecting as-built data, as a s site changes forming an accurate digital twin.
Unlocking surplus public defence land and more to speed up the delivery of housing.
The Planning and Infrastructure bill oulined
With reactions from IHBC and others on its potential impacts.
Farnborough College Unveils its Half-house for Sustainable Construction Training.
Spring Statement 2025 with reactions from industry
Confirming previously announced funding, and welfare changes amid adjusted growth forecast.
Scottish Government responds to Grenfell report
As fund for unsafe cladding assessments is launched.
CLC and BSR process map for HRB approvals
One of the initial outputs of their weekly BSR meetings.
Architects Academy at an insulation manufacturing facility
Programme of technical engagement for aspiring designers.
Building Safety Levy technical consultation response
Details of the planned levy now due in 2026.
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.
The restoration of the novelist’s birthplace in Eastwood.
Life Critical Fire Safety External Wall System LCFS EWS
Breaking down what is meant by this now often used term.
PAC report on the Remediation of Dangerous Cladding
Recommendations on workforce, transparency, support, insurance, funding, fraud and mismanagement.
New towns, expanded settlements and housing delivery
Modular inquiry asks if new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing.
Building Engineering Business Survey Q1 2025
Survey shows growth remains flat as skill shortages and volatile pricing persist.