Lawful Development Certificate

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Lawful Development Certificate?

An LDC is the only way to officially 'prove' your project doesn't need planning permission, and can beused in a wide range of scenarios. It’s a permanent record that your build meets all legal requirements, giving you total peace of mind today and a smooth, headache-free house sale tomorrow.

Is a Lawful Development Certificate the same as Planning Permission?

LDC is official proof from the council that your project is "Permitted Development" and doesn't require full planning permission. It’s your legal "get out of jail free" card that protects you from future fines and makes selling your home much easier.

Do I really need an LDC if my builder says it's fine?

Builders are experts at building, but they aren't planning consultants. Policies change frequently, and "verbal" advice won't help you when you try to sell your house or if a neighbor complains. An LDC is the only way to get a legally binding decision in writing from the council.

How long does the LDC assessment take?

The initial check through a BuildStart™ Planning Partner is fast. Once we have your details, a specialist can quickly review your property's history and local constraints to determine the best path forward. This saves you weeks of back-and-forth with council phone lines.

What happens if my project doesn't qualify for an LDC?

Don't worry, that’s exactly why we’re here. If your project falls outside of Permitted Development, we’ll explain your options for a full planning application and help you tweak your designs to give you the highest chance of approval.