Established use certificate
An established use certificate was a certificate issued by the local planning authority that confirmed the use of premises was an ‘established use’ and so not open to challenge.
This could 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.
Established use certificates are no longer granted, having been replaced by a certificate of lawfulness of existing use or development (CLEUD) in 1992.
Existing established use certificates remain valid and unchanged, although they are not considered to have been made under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. The essential difference is that established use certificates could provide immunity from enforcement action, but were not evidence that the development was lawful.
In order to convert an established use certificate into a CLEUD, an application needs to be made following the same procedures. For more information see: Certificate of lawfulness.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Avoiding planning permission pitfalls.
- Building preservation notice.
- Certificate of immunity.
- Certificate of lawfulness.
- Certificates in the construction industry.
- Change of use class.
- Lawful development certificate.
- Local planning authority.
- Permitted development.
- Planning permission.
- Site selection and acquisition.
Featured articles and news
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.
Heritage staff wellbeing at work survey.
A five minute introduction.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Showcasing the very best electrotechnical and engineering services for half a century.
Welsh government consults on HRBs and reg changes
Seeking feedback on a new regulatory regime and a broad range of issues.
CIOB Client Guide (2nd edition) March 2025
Free download covering statutory dutyholder roles under the Building Safety Act and much more.
Minister quizzed, as responsibility transfers to MHCLG and BSR publishes new building control guidance.
UK environmental regulations reform 2025
Amid wider new approaches to ensure regulators and regulation support growth.
BSRIA Statutory Compliance Inspection Checklist
BG80/2025 now significantly updated to include requirements related to important changes in legislation.