What are lawful development certificates?

We know what you’re thinking - "I can just build under permitted development rights, why would I apply for a lawful development certificate?" Let us tell you...

What is it?

A lawful development certificate (LDC) demonstrates that your project met all the local planning policies at the time of construction. This is particularly useful in the event of selling your home.

Future buyers often ask to see a lawful development certificate when purchasing an extended property to give them confidence that everything was done above board. 

If your extension is identified as being too big, or outside of policy guidelines the property owner can face some eye-watering fines and may even be instructed to demolish the work!

Do I need it?

If you are not applying for full planning permission, whilst it is not a legal requirement; lawful development certificates are like the safety helmet to your shiny new bike.

If building work has been carried out on your home in the past, you may find that your permitted development rights have already been exhausted. By applying for a lawful development certificate you will know beyond all doubt that your proposed work is legal and without the risk of being torn down.

How do I apply?

Applying for a Lawful development certificate is easy, head over to the online planning portal once you’ve amassed the following information:

• An application form from the planning portal.

• A site location plan (we can help you with that!)

• Architectural plans and elevations (yeah, we do those too!)

Once your application has been submitted and the fee has been paid a decision will be made within 8 weeks.

How much will it cost?

Fees are typically half the price of a full planning application, there are many factors involved when calculating an LDC fee. For an up to date figure, the planning portal's fee calculator can be found here.