For peace of mind that a proposed use of a building is lawful, or that the proposal doesn’t require planning permission, you can apply for a lawful development certificate.

The burden of proof in a lawful development certificate lies firmly with the applicant. To do this sufficient and precise information must be provided before the application is registered.

The following items are needed for all applications

• Application
• Fee 
• Location plan (scale 1:2500 or 1:1250) with site outlined in red
• Block plan (scale 1:500) or site plan (scale 1:200) – if the proposal will alter an existing building footprint or create a new building footprint
• Site levels (scale 1:200) – if the proposal will lead to a change in the level of the land
• Floor plans – existing and proposed (scale 1:50 or 1:100) – if the proposal will create, alter or add to a floor
• Elevation drawings – existing and proposed (scale 1:50 or 1:100) – if the proposal will create, alter or added to a building
• Cross section drawings through building – existing and proposed (scale 1:50 or 1:100) – if the proposal is for a new building or a loft conversion or the building is listed
• Cross section drawings – proposed (scale 1:10 or 1:20) of surface treatment if the proposal is for a track or horse-riding arena
• Design and access statement – if the site is in a conservation area or the proposal affects a Heritage Asset
• Heritage statement (including photographs and a schedule of works) – if the proposal will affect a Heritage Asset
• Wildlife trigger list (and if required, wildlife report)

Further information about this type of application is available on the Planning Portal.