Glossary
Lawful Development Certificate
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is a formal council decision that an existing or proposed use or operation is lawful for planning purposes. Homeowners often seek one to confirm that a project is permitted development or that an older change has become lawful through time.
An LDC is not planning permission and does not replace Building Regulations approval.
Equivalent certificate procedures exist in Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own lawful-use / certificate mechanisms.
Official source: Lawful development certificates (GOV.UK). Checked 27 October 2026.