A Lawful Development Certificate provides proof that the use, operation or activity of the development is lawful, making it immune from enforcement action.
This will give you the peace of mind that you will not have to remedy a breach of planning legislation, something which can cost a significant amount of time and money.
Application for Lawful Development Certificate – why bother?
A Lawful Development Certificate is not mandatory, but it does safeguard a development from enforcement action. More specifically, a Lawful Development Certificate will verify that:
- The existing use of a building is lawful, even if it might otherwise amount to a breach of a planning condition
- Any building works that have been carried out are lawful, even if it might otherwise amount to a breach of a planning condition
- A proposal does not need planning permission
Knowing that you are immune from enforcement action will give you a sense of security, as you will not be asked to remedy any breach that has been made. It will also aid in the sale of the building, should you wish to do so in the future.
Lawful Development Certificate Fee
If you wish to apply for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC), you must submit the correct application form, supporting documentation and relevant fee to your local authority.
How much is the Lawful Development Certificate fee?
The Lawful Development Certificate fee depends upon the type of application being made. Different application forms are needed for each type of certificate and the cost will vary accordingly. For example:
- An LDC for existing use (which states it is lawful not to comply with a particular condition) is £195.
- An LDC for existing use (in breach of a planning condition) is the same as the full planning fee.
- An LDC for proposed use is half the normal planning fee.
Application for Lawful Development Certificate – how do I apply?
To get a Lawful Development Certificate, an application must be made to the local council. You can do this through the planning portal website.
The process can be complex and involves submitting the correct type of form, supporting evidence and fee. Often the legal intricacies are so wide-ranging they cannot be comprehended by local councils, causing an application to be partly of wholly refused.
To avoid this, it is best to seek expert legal advice from one of our solicitors. We specialise in the application for Lawful Development Certificates will support you throughout the process, using our expert knowledge to obtain certification and immunity on your behalf.
Application for Lawful Development Certificate – legal help
For help getting a Lawful Development Certificate, please call us on 01634 811 118 or complete our online enquiry form.
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