What it is
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is the council's formal confirmation that your proposed work does not need planning permission — or that existing work was lawful when built. It is not a planning permission; it is proof that you did not need one.
Why solicitors ask for it
When you sell, the buyer's solicitor will ask for evidence that extensions and loft conversions were lawful. Without an LDC you may be asked for indemnity insurance or a retrospective application, and the sale slows down.
Cost and timing
- Fee: around £270 for a proposed householder development in England (half the householder planning fee).
- Decision period: eight weeks.
- Drawings: existing and proposed plans and elevations, a site plan and a short statement.
What Plan Check adds
Our Pro tier maps the LDC route and we can arrange the drawings and submission through our architect partners at a fixed fee.
General information for England, not advice on your property. Rules change; we check the current position in every report.