You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) if you want to be certain that either:
- the existing use of a building is lawful for planning purposes
- your proposal does not require planning permission
It is not compulsory to have an LDC before beginning development work or introducing a new use. However, an LDC can be useful since it can confirm that a particular development or use is lawful in planning terms.
Apply for an LDC on the Planning Portal
You will have to pay a fee. You must provide us with sufficient information to decide the application, or it may be refused.
You can appeal against an LDC decision.
For detailed information and guidance on making your application visit:
- Lawful Development Certificates on the Planning Portal
- Lawful Development Certificate guidance on GOV.UK