Application delays
We are currently experiencing delays in processing new valid applications received between 1 May 2026 and 8 June 2026, due to unexpected staff shortages. This may result in delays in acknowledging your application, and we may need to request extensions of time while we process your application. We are actively working to address this backlog as quickly as possible and appreciate your patience. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Apply for a Lawful Development Certificate
You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate to confirm that:
- your proposed work does not need planning permission, or
- work you have already started or completed is lawful
You can look at the Planning Portal for more information about Certificates of Lawfulness.
Appy for a certificate for proposed or existing works
To apply for a Lawful Development Certificate, you must provide:
- your name, address and contact details
- your email address
- the address of the property you are applying about, if different to your address
- a written description of the work, including measurements and plans
To support your application, we recommend you also provide:
- a block plan, including the scale (for example, 1:200 or 1:500)
- a site location plan, including the scale (for example, 1:1250)
- sketch drawings
- photographs of the site
- the reasons why you consider the development is lawful
- any evidence you have to support your claim that a development is lawful