Lawful Development Certificates (LDCs)

If you ask us to confirm that your proposal does not require Planning Permission, we can only do so on an informal basis and our opinion is not legally binding.  

To be certain of a decision you will need a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) to confirm that your building work does not require Planning Permission.

You can apply for a LDC online through the Planning Portal or download the relevant forms.

Find out the current LDC fees.

Why do I need this?

Applying for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is a formal process through which we will consider your development in detail and decide whether your proposal is lawful. This may come in useful when selling your property in the future.

 There are two types of certificates:

• Proposed LDC: this will confirm whether or not your proposed work requires planning permission;  OR 
• Existing LDC: this will confirm whether planning permission was needed for work which has already taken place

 If development has already taken place you can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate where:

• you have built a structure or building within the last four years or have undertaken a change of use within the last 10 years that you believe was done under your Permitted Development rights;  OR
• where you erected a building or structure more than four years ago or have undertaken a change of use more than 10 years ago and you have sufficient proof of this. (In this case a LDC will prevent us taking enforcement action against you).