Guide
Lawful Development Certificate explained
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is formal council confirmation that your proposed (or completed) works do not require planning permission. It is not the same as planning permission.
When you might want an LDC
- You believe the works fall within Permitted Development and want written evidence
- You are planning to sell the property and want clean records
- You want certainty before spending on a build
What an LDC does and does not do
An LDC confirms lawfulness at a point in time. It does not grant planning permission, does not override Article 4 Directions, and does not replace Building Regulations approval.
What you typically submit
- Application form and fee
- Location and block plans
- Existing and proposed drawings
- A statement explaining why the works are lawful
How PlanningPackPro AI can help
Our LDC Pack provides the supporting statement and checklist, locked to the route the rules engine selected. You provide the drawings and pay the council fee separately. Check your project route.