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
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Grenfell investigation files passed to CPS
Angela Rayner apologises on behalf of the British state.
Electrical contractors need to understand the practical implications.
The real barrier to getting more value from digital technology.
Your guide to The Construction Reset at UKCW Birmingham.
Accommodating the Victorian and Edwardian working woman. Book review.
Rethinking passive fire protection in design
PFP demands the same level of design rigour as structure or services.
38% of Gen Zs feel safe when a fire door is wedged open.
Stunning images from around the world
Shortlist for CIOB’s Art of Building photography competition.
Guidance for conversion of traditional pre-1919 stone buildings.
Industrial heritage in the Ruhr
A marked difference to the fate of industrial landscapes in the UK.
Communities will be able to build their own clean energy.
Why diversity and inclusion matters for SMEs
CIOB’s D&I Charter shows how practical changes can support long-term growth.