Lawful Development Certificates for Loft Conversions
Many house loft conversions can be built under Permitted Development, without a planning application — but only if every relevant limit and condition is met. A proposed Lawful Development Certificate gives you formal confirmation from your council that, on the information supplied, the work would be lawful. We check your property, prepare the drawings and submit the application.
- Permitted Development position checked
- Drawings prepared to show compliance
- Application forms completed
- Submitted to your council for you
- Officer queries handled
- Planning drawings from £950
Not included
The council's statutory application fee and any online service charge are paid by you. An LDC does not replace building regulations approval, which every habitable loft conversion needs. Party wall matters are separate.
What you receive
- Check of Permitted Development limits for your property
- Measured survey
- Existing and proposed drawings
- Location and block plans
- Application forms prepared and submitted
- Liaison with the planning officer
How it works
- 1
Property check
We look at your house, location and planning history to assess the likely route.
- 2
Survey & drawings
We measure up and prepare existing and proposed drawings showing the limits are met.
- 3
Application
We complete the forms, confirm the fee with you and submit to the council.
- 4
Decision
We respond to any officer queries and let you know the outcome.
What an LDC is — and isn't
A certificate of lawfulness of proposed use or development (often called a proposed LDC) is a formal decision by your local planning authority. It confirms that the proposed work would be lawful based on the drawings and information submitted. It is not the same as planning permission. The council isn't judging whether it likes the design; it's deciding whether the proposal falls within the rules. That's why the drawings and details submitted need to be accurate — the certificate only covers what is shown.
When a loft can be Permitted Development
For houses in England, loft conversions can often be carried out under Permitted Development when the relevant conditions are met, including: • Staying within the volume allowance for the house type, taking account of earlier roof extensions • No enlargement on the roof slope facing the highway at the front • Not exceeding the height of the existing roof • Materials similar in appearance to the existing house • Side-facing windows obscure-glazed and non-opening below a set height • No verandas, balconies or raised platforms The full rules have more detail, and we check them against your specific property.
Not sure which conversion suits your loft?
Get in touch — we'll measure up and tell you honestly what your roof can deliver.
Get in touchWhen the position changes
Some situations need checking case by case, and may mean Permitted Development doesn't apply: • Conservation areas and other designated land • Article 4 directions removing householder rights — common in parts of London • Flats and maisonettes, which don't have householder Permitted Development rights • Previous roof extensions or alterations that have used up volume • Conditions on earlier planning permissions that removed rights If Permitted Development isn't available, a householder planning application is the usual alternative — see our planning drawings service.
Fees and timescales
In England, the statutory fee for a proposed Lawful Development Certificate is generally half the equivalent full planning application fee. Fees are set nationally and change from time to time, and an online submission service charge may also apply. We confirm current fees before submitting; they are paid by you and are separate from our fee. Councils aim to determine most applications within 8 weeks.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Lawful Development Certificate for a loft conversion?
A certificate of lawfulness of proposed use or development is a formal decision from your local planning authority confirming that, on the information supplied, the proposed loft conversion would be lawful — usually because it falls within Permitted Development. It is not planning permission.
Is an LDC compulsory?
No. If the work genuinely is Permitted Development you don't have to apply. Many homeowners do, because it gives formal evidence that is useful when selling or remortgaging, and it confirms the position before money is spent on the build.
How much is the LDC application fee?
In England the statutory fee for a proposed Lawful Development Certificate is generally half the fee for the equivalent full planning application. Fees are set nationally and do change, and an online submission service charge may also apply. We confirm the current fee before submitting, and it is paid by you.
How long does an LDC take?
Councils aim to decide most applications within 8 weeks, though timescales vary by authority and workload.
Can every house loft conversion be Permitted Development?
No. Permitted Development only applies when all the relevant limits and conditions are met — including volume allowances, roof slope position, height and materials — and when rights haven't been removed. Conservation areas, Article 4 directions, flats and maisonettes, and previous extensions or conditions on earlier permissions can all change the position.
What happens if the LDC is refused?
A refusal means the council doesn't consider the proposal lawful as submitted. Depending on the reason, the design can often be amended and resubmitted, or a householder planning application made instead. We'll talk you through the options.
Check your loft's planning route
Tell us about your property and we'll come back with the likely route and a fixed price.
Ready to start your loft conversion?
Get in touch and receive your first draft drawings within 7 days.
Get in touch