What Is a Lawful Development Certificate and Do You Need One?
A complete guide to Lawful Development Certificates (LDC) in the UK — what they are, whether you need one, how to apply, and how much they cost.

Practical guidance on Permitted Development and householder projects in England — what the rules allow, what they limit, and what it means for your drawings.
Start with the PD guideOur detailed guidance pages, organised by the kind of project you are planning.
Permitted Development rulesThe limits that apply to each type of householder project.View articles
ExtensionsSingle storey rear, side and two storey rear extensions.View articles
Lofts and roofsLoft conversions, dormers and roof alterations.View articles
Garden buildingsOutbuildings, garden rooms and garages.View articles
Around the housePorches, conservatories, windows and doors.View articles
Boundaries and outsideFences, walls, gates, patios and driveways.View articles From our Permitted Development and planning article library.
A complete guide to Lawful Development Certificates (LDC) in the UK — what they are, whether you need one, how to apply, and how much they cost.
Find out if you need planning permission for a garage conversion in the UK. Our guide covers permitted development rules for integral, attached and detached garages, plus building regulations requirements.
Can you build a side extension without planning permission? Our guide covers permitted development rules for single storey side extensions — width limits, height rules, and conservation area restrictions.
Find out if you need planning permission for a porch in the UK. Permitted development rules for porches explained — size limits, height rules, and when planning permission is required.
Everything you need to know about single storey rear extension permitted development rules in England — size limits, height rules, prior approval, and when you need planning permission.
Find out exactly how big you can extend your home without planning permission under permitted development rules. Size limits for rear, side, loft and porch extensions explained.
PERMITTED HOMEOWNER GUIDES
Our illustrated, practical guides help you understand the rules, explore design options and budget with confidence — before you commit to building work.
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Rules, design options, costs and next steps.
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Rules, design options, costs and next steps.
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Rules, design options, costs and next steps.
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Rules, design options, costs and next steps.
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Rules, design options, costs and next steps.
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Rules, design options, costs and next steps.
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Rules, design options, costs and next steps.
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Rules, design options, costs and next steps.
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Maximize your property’s footprint with precision and ease. Permitted provides complete design for Permitted Development Rights. Our packages are designed around the Permitted Development limits, so many projects can proceed without a full planning application.
PERMITTED is operated by Yorkshire Property Design Services Limited, registered in England and Wales under company number 12698267.
Registered office: Ground Floor, Techno Centre, Station Road, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 5BJ
Business contact address: Wira House, Ground Floor, Suite 5, Ring Road, West Park, Leeds, LS16 6EB