Lawful Development Certificates (LDC)
Professional Lawful Development Certificate applications for proposed and existing development
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A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) provides formal confirmation from the local planning authority that a proposed use or development would be lawful, or that an existing use, operation or activity is lawful for planning purposes.
For proposed extensions, loft conversions and other works, an LDC can provide formal confirmation that the development can be carried out without requiring a planning application, including where the proposal complies with permitted development rights. For existing development or uses, an application may rely on evidence demonstrating why the development or use is lawful.
Planning World can assess the appropriate route, prepare the required drawings and supporting information, submit the application and manage correspondence with the local planning authority through to its decision.
When should you consider a Lawful Development Certificate?
You may wish to apply for an LDC where you need formal confirmation of the planning status of proposed or existing development. Common circumstances include:
- You believe a proposed extension, loft conversion or outbuilding falls within permitted development rights
- You want formal confirmation of lawfulness before starting proposed works
- You need to establish the planning status of existing development or a use
- You are selling or refinancing a property and have been asked for evidence concerning previous works
- You have acquired a property containing alterations where the planning history is unclear
- You need to demonstrate why existing development or a use is lawful using appropriate evidence
Permitted development rights can be restricted or removed in some circumstances, including by Article 4 directions, planning conditions or the particular status of the property. Conservation-area and listed-building considerations may also affect what consents are required. We can review the property and proposal before advising on the appropriate application route.
For Lawful Development Certificates (LDC)
What documents are required for a Lawful Development Certificate?
The information required depends on whether the application concerns proposed development or an existing use or development. Depending on the circumstances, an application may include:
- Site location plan
- Existing and proposed floor plans where relevant
- Existing and proposed elevations where relevant
- Roof plans where relevant
- Block/site plan where required
- Dimensioned drawings demonstrating the relevant development parameters
- Supporting statement explaining the basis on which the proposal or existing development is considered lawful
- Evidence relating to existing development or uses, where applicable
- Other supporting information relevant to the particular application
Planning World can identify the information required and prepare the drawings and supporting documentation appropriate to the application.
Our process
A streamlined route to legal confirmation:
1. Initial assessment — We review the property, proposal or existing development and identify the appropriate LDC route.
2. Measured survey — Where required, we undertake a measured survey to provide an accurate basis for the drawings.
3. Technical drawings — We prepare the plans and drawings required to demonstrate the relevant development or existing situation.
4. Supporting case — We prepare the supporting statement and assemble relevant evidence explaining why the proposal, use or development is considered lawful.
5. Submission & management — We submit the application and manage correspondence with the local planning authority.
6. Decision & next steps — Following the council’s decision, we explain the outcome and any subsequent planning or Building Regulations requirements.
Fees
Typical fees start from:
- £495–£795 for LDC drawings and submission
- £150 for location and block plans
- Local planning authority application fee — payable separately at the applicable statutory rate
A fixed quote is provided after your consultation.
Local Planning Authority Requirements
Lawful Development Certificate applications are determined by the relevant local planning authority based on the planning circumstances, applicable legislation and the information and evidence submitted with the application.
Permitted development rights can be affected by factors including Article 4 directions, previous planning conditions, the property’s planning history and the nature and location of the proposed development. Conservation areas and listed buildings can also introduce additional planning and heritage considerations.
Planning World works with local planning authorities across England and Wales and prepares each application according to the particular property, proposal and applicable planning requirements.
Common mistakes to avoid
Homeowners often run into issues when they:
- Assume their project is PD without checking measurements
- Submit drawings that don’t meet validation standards
- Misinterpret height, volume, or projection limits
- Overlook roof extension restrictions
- Fail to provide evidence for existing works
- Don’t include a lawfulness statement
Planning World helps reduce these risks by preparing clear drawings, supporting information and evidence appropriate to the basis of the LDC application.
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Why choose Planning World
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- Experience with Lawful Development Certificate and permitted development applications
- Measured surveys and accurate planning drawings where required
- Clear supporting statements and evidence-based submissions
- Review of planning history and relevant development constraints
- Application submission and council liaison
- Transparent, fixed-fee pricing
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) provides formal confirmation from the local planning authority that an existing use, operation or development is lawful for planning purposes, or that a proposed use or development would be lawful. An LDC is not the same as planning permission; it establishes the lawfulness of the specific development or use described in the certificate.
An LDC is not normally compulsory simply because works fall within permitted development rights. However, applying for a certificate can provide formal confirmation that the proposed development is lawful and does not require a conventional planning application. This can be particularly useful where there is uncertainty over permitted development limits or when evidence of the planning status may be required in the future, such as when selling the property.
A proposed Lawful Development Certificate is used to establish whether a proposed use or development would be lawful if carried out. An existing Lawful Development Certificate is used to establish whether an existing use, operational development or certain activities involving a breach of a planning condition are already lawful. The evidence and legal tests therefore differ depending on whether the application concerns proposed or existing development.
The evidence required depends on what you are seeking to establish. It may include dated photographs, invoices, plans, tenancy or council records, utility information, statutory declarations or other documents demonstrating when development was completed or how long a particular use has continued. The applicant is responsible for providing sufficiently clear and precise evidence, and existing-use cases are generally considered on the balance of probability.
In England, once a valid Lawful Development Certificate application has been received, the local planning authority should normally issue its decision within 8 weeks, unless a longer period is agreed in writing. If the authority does not determine the application within the relevant period, the applicant may have a right of appeal.
Planning World can review the property and planning circumstances, advise on the appropriate LDC route and prepare the drawings, supporting statement and evidence required for the application. We can then submit the application and manage correspondence with the local planning authority through to its decision.
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