Help with a Certificate of Lawfulness
A Certificate of Lawfulness is useful when the real question is not whether the council likes a use or development, but whether it is lawful. The route depends on whether you are asking about something that has already happened or something you are proposing to do.
Planning Geek can help with both ordinary lawful development certificate routes. If you are unsure which applies, send us the details and we can point you in the right direction.
Existing use or development
If the use, building work or other development has already happened, the usual route is a Certificate of Lawfulness of Existing Use or Development. The strength and continuity of the evidence can be crucial, particularly where lawfulness depends on the passage of time.
Proposed use or development
If you want certainty before carrying out a proposed use or development, the usual route is a Certificate of Lawfulness of Proposed Use or Development. This can be particularly useful where you intend to rely on permitted development rights or otherwise want a formal decision that the proposal would be lawful.
Need to talk it through first?
If you are unsure whether a certificate is the right route, or whether you have enough evidence for an existing-use application, a paid consultation with Ian can be a sensible first step.
Not sure which certificate you need?
Send us the site address, any council reference and a short explanation of what exists now or what you want to do. If the issue is an existing use, dates and supporting documents are especially helpful.
Certificate of Lawfulness Help Page Updated: 23rd August 2026