Lawful Development Certificates: do you need one?

Your extension may not need planning permission, but a Lawful Development Certificate proves it. Here’s why it’s worth having.

Many extensions, loft conversions and outbuildings can be built under permitted development, without a planning application. A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is the council’s formal confirmation that your project is lawful.

• Peace of mind before you build that you’re within the rules
• Buyers’ solicitors often ask for it when you sell
• It protects you if a neighbour or the council later questions the work

You apply to the council with drawings showing the proposal. They check it against the permitted development rules rather than judging the design, and aim to decide within eight weeks. The fee is lower than a full planning application.

Larger single storey extensions may need prior approval instead, and anything outside the rules needs full planning permission. Building regulations approval is needed in every case. We’ll tell you which route suits your project at the first visit.