Permitted Development

A Certificate of Lawful Development confirms that existing or proposed uses and/or operations are lawful and thus do not require planning permission. Applications for Certificates of Lawfulness are not concerned with planning policy but instead the tests of the relevant legislative Acts, General Permitted Development Order and case law.

Certain projects do not require planning permission as they qualify under what is referred to as “permitted development”. Permitted development rights cover a wide range of works including but not limited to outbuildings, extensions, demolition and certain changes of use, which can apply to both residential and non-residential properties. SM Planning can provide clear guidance as to what permitted development rights may apply.  

Additionally, unauthorised operations or change of uses can become lawful through the passage of time, and others may not fall under the definition of development for the purposes of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and thus do not require planning permission. By obtaining a Certificate of Lawful Development in these circumstances, you will legally bring your development into line and avoid enforcement proceedings from the Local Planning Authority.

Our team of London planning consultants can manage the formal process of obtaining an appropriate Certificate of Lawful Development

For more information on any of our Planning Consultancy services, contact one of our London Planning Consultants here