Lawful Development Certificate (LDC)
A Certificate of Lawful Development (CLD or LDC) is a formal legal document confirming that a proposed development is lawful as permitted development, or that an existing development was lawful. It costs half the householder planning fee and is highly recommended even when you are confident your project is permitted development.
Application Fee
No VAT on planning fees
Decision Period
From date of validation
When to Use This Application Type
Use when you want legal certainty that your project is permitted development without needing planning permission. Also used for existing development — for example, to confirm that an extension built years ago was lawful.
What to Submit
- 1Completed LDC application form (proposed or existing)
- 2Site location plan
- 3Drawings showing the proposed (or existing) works
- 4Written evidence (for existing developments: photos, builder invoices, correspondence)
- 5Fee: £129
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Apply?
Submit your application online via the Planning Portal. Find your council to get the right planning authority for your area.
Other Application Types
Householder Planning Application
£2588 weeks from validation (56 days)
Full Planning Application
£2938 weeks (minor), 13 weeks (major) from validation
Listed Building Consent
FREE8 weeks from validation
Prior Approval
£12042 days from the date the application is received