A faster, smarter, more affordable way to get planning permission anywhere in the UK.
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is the only official way to prove that your proposed works fall under Permitted Development or that existing works are lawful. It protects you from enforcement action, future disputes, and issues when selling your property.
Planning World prepares and submits LDC applications with complete accuracy, ensuring your project is legally protected from day one.
An LDC is essential when:
Even if planning permission might not be required, an LDC gives you legal certainty.
What documents are required
A valid LDC application typically includes:
Planning World prepares every document to meet your council’s validation standards.
Our process
A streamlined, risk‑free route to legal confirmation:
Fees
Typical fees start from:
A fixed quote is provided after your consultation.
Borough‑specific considerations
LDCs are technical applications, and each borough interprets PD rules slightly differently. We specialise in:
Your application is tailored to your borough’s specific PD guidance.
Common mistakes to avoid
Homeowners often run into issues when they:
Planning World ensures your application is technically correct and legally robust.
Most councils take 8 weeks from validation to decision.
No — but without it, you have no legal protection if the council challenges your works.
If it falls under PD, an LDC is strongly recommended to avoid future issues.
Yes — if you can prove the works were completed more than 4 years ago (or 10 years for change of use).
Only if the proposal meets PD rules. We assess this before preparing your application.