Certificate of Lawfulness
A Certificate of Lawful Development provides formal confirmation from the local planning authority that an existing use or development is lawful, or that a proposed use or development would be lawful for planning purposes.
Often referred to as a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC), it can establish whether a building or use is immune from enforcement action, or confirm that proposed works benefit from permitted development rights and do not require planning permission.
I prepare and manage Certificate of Lawful Development applications for homeowners, landowners and developers, including cases involving existing buildings, changes of use, residential extensions and outbuildings.
Types of Lawful Development Certificate
There are two main types of Certificate of Lawful Development.
Certificate of Lawful Existing Use or Development (CLEUD)
A CLEUD confirms that an existing building, use or operational development is lawful for planning purposes.
This may include:
Buildings or extensions that have existed for the relevant statutory period.
Existing uses that have become immune from enforcement action.
Development where the relevant 4-year or 10-year period has elapsed.
Existing residential or commercial uses where lawfulness needs to be established.
The application must be supported by sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the development or use is lawful.
Certificate of Lawful Proposed Use or Development (CLOPUD)
A CLOPUD confirms that a proposed use or development would be lawful, allowing you to establish whether planning permission is required before proceeding.
Typical examples include:
House extensions and alterations under permitted development rights.
Garden buildings, garages and outbuildings.
Proposed changes of use.
Other development that does not require express planning permission.
A certificate can provide valuable certainty before committing to construction or other works.
Certificate of Lawful Development Services
My service includes:
Initial planning assessment – Reviewing the site, planning history and relevant legislation to establish whether a certificate is appropriate.
Permitted development assessment – Checking the applicable permitted development rights, limitations and conditions.
Existing development cases – Advising on the relevant enforcement time limits and evidence required to demonstrate lawfulness.
Evidence preparation – Reviewing photographs, historic records, invoices, statutory declarations and other supporting documents.
Planning Statements – Preparing a supporting statement explaining the legal and factual basis of the application where appropriate.
Application preparation and submission – Completing the forms and submitting the application to the local planning authority.
Council liaison – Responding to requests for additional information and dealing with the application through to decision.
Property sales and conveyancing
A Certificate of Lawful Development can be useful during a property sale or purchase where questions arise about the planning status of an existing building or use.
It provides formal evidence of lawfulness for planning purposes, although it does not replace other legal or building regulations requirements.
Certificate of Lawful Development Advice
Whether you need to establish the lawfulness of an existing building, regularise an existing use or confirm that proposed works benefit from permitted development rights, I can advise on the appropriate application route.
I provide independent planning consultancy for homeowners, landowners and developers.
Contact me to discuss your Certificate of Lawful Development application.
Andrew Ransome MRTPI - Email: andrew@andrewransome.co.uk
Certificate of Lawfulness Successes
Get in Touch
Email: andrew@andrewransome.co.uk
Tel: 020 7096 8045
London Office:
60 Tottenham Court Road
Fitzrovia
London
W1T 2EW
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Content on this website is provided for general information and educational purposes only and does not constitute formal planning, professional, or legal advice. Planning policies, legislation, and guidance are subject to change. Site-specific assessment by a qualified consultant is recommended before making development decisions.
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