Lawful Development Certificates
If your extension or loft conversion falls within permitted development, a lawful development certificate is formal confirmation from the council that it doesn’t need planning permission. We prepare the drawings and supporting information, check your design against the permitted development rules as we go, and submit the application for you.
What this covers
- Certificates for proposed extensions, loft conversions and alterations
- Certificates for existing work that has been in place long enough to be lawful
- Existing and proposed drawings showing the design against the permitted development limits
- Submission to the local planning authority and responding to any queries
Our process
- Review of your project against the permitted development rules
- Survey and preparation of existing and proposed drawings
- Submission to the local planning authority
- Building regulations and construction-ready drawings, once the route is confirmed
Questions
Do I have to get a lawful development certificate?
No, it isn't compulsory. We usually recommend one, because it gives you certainty before you build and answers the planning question in one document when you come to sell.
How long does it take?
The council should decide within eight weeks of validating the application. Requirements depend on the property and the proposed work, so we confirm the right route before preparing drawings.
What if my project doesn’t qualify?
If the design falls outside permitted development, there are usually two options: adjust the design to bring it within the limits, or apply for planning permission. We'll advise on which makes more sense for your project.
For more detail, read our guide:What is a lawful development certificate, and do you need one?