Certificates of Lawfulness Process

We have dealt with scores of certificate of lawfulness applications at MZA, covering a wide range of developments. Our knowledge of the planning system allows us to draft highly focused applications to secure a positive outcome. Applications range from householder developments, to HMOs, conversion into flats and change of use. Submitting a certificate of lawfulness give you peace of mind that your development is lawful and permitted.

1. Instruction

We receive your instructions and review your supporting evidence for the lawful development certificate.

2. Drawings

If this is included in your contract, our architect goes out on site to prepare the drawings. This is sent to you for review, and once you are happy the drawings are signed off.

3. LDC Forms

We will complete the lawful development certificate forms for the Council’s submission.

4. Preparation

Where relevant, we will request and collate evidence from you to support your application. In some cases, we prepare a statement that details the evidence. This will relate to either a proposed use/structure or an existing use/structure. Depending on which of these are involved we may need to collate evidence from you to prove either 4 years or 10 years immunity or compliance with the permitted development regulations. Before anything is submitted, we will provide you with all of the documents for sign-off.

5. Submission

We will submit your application to the Council and await validation.

6. Validation

Validation is to ensure that everything is complete within your application.

*This typically takes 1-3 weeks

6. Recommendation

We will liaise with the planning officers throughout the whole process, and aim to address any of their concerns regarding the application. At this stage, they may suggest whether your application will be approved or refused.

7. Decision

The Council will despatch a Decision Notice (normally within 8 weeks), stating whether your application is approved or refused.

Certificates of Lawfulness Process

020 8995 7848

web@mzaplanning.com