Lawful Development Certificates for Garden Rooms

Updated: 13 September 2024

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If you build your garden room under Permitted Development rules, it is worthwhile applying to your Local Authority for a Lawful Development Certificate.

A Lawful Development Certificate provides confirmation that your construction is legally compliant. It can also reassure concerned neighbours and help streamline the conveyancing process when you sell your house.

This article is part of a series that explores the rules you need to consider when building a garden room.

Different to Planning Permission

A Lawful Development Certificate is different from Planning Permission but serves as proof that the building work is legal, including its intended use.

In many cases, a garden room can be built without needing Planning Permission, as long as you adhere to Permitted Development rules.

By applying for a Lawful Development Certificate, you are seeking formal confirmation that planning permission is not required and that your garden room complies with Permitted Development regulations.

While applying for a Lawful Development Certificate takes time and involves a fee, it offers peace of mind that everything is being done according to the law.

In some cases, garden room companies will handle the application for a Lawful Development Certificate as part of their overall service.