Many lofts, single-storey rear extensions and garden rooms can be built under permitted development (PD) rights — a national grant of planning permission — without applying to the council. We confirm your project qualifies with a Lawful Development Certificate so you have certainty.
Permitted development (PD) rights are set out in the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 (as amended). They give you a national grant of planning permission to extend or alter your home within specific limits — so you don't need to make a planning application, provided you stay within the rules.
Exact limits depend on your house type and what's already been added — we check your specific case.
An LDC isn't legally required, but it's the formal way to prove your project is lawful. It protects you against future enforcement action and is almost always asked for when you sell or remortgage. For the modest fee, it removes all doubt — which is why we recommend it on every PD project.
We prepare the drawings and supporting statement in around 1–2 weeks. The council then determines a Lawful Development Certificate within a statutory 8 weeks — so most PD projects are confirmed within 2–8 weeks.
The council's LDC (proposed use) fee is half the householder planning fee — indicatively around £150, but it is set by government and changes, so we confirm the current rate. Our design & planning fee for a single loft or 3m rear extension starts at £1,600 (see our pricing). Building Regulations approval is a separate process and cost.
No — permitted development is lawful without one. But an LDC is the only way to formally prove it, and buyers, solicitors and lenders almost always ask for it. We strongly recommend it.
You have two options: scale the design back within the limits, or apply for householder planning permission. For larger single-storey rear extensions there is also a "prior approval" route (the larger home extension scheme) that we can use in many cases.
Yes — by a planning condition (common on newer estates), by an Article 4 direction in a conservation area, or on flats and listed buildings. We always check the planning history of your property first.
Planning rules and statutory fees are set by the UK Government and your local council, and they change over time and vary by area and property. The figures here are indicative for early-stage guidance only and are not a substitute for formal advice — Virtue confirms the exact route, requirements and current fees for your specific property as part of our service.
Use our visual builder for an instant likely planning route, or book a free consultation and we'll confirm it for your property.
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