Lawful certificate for an extension -- is this really needed?

[Alevelprep25]

Just that really. Work underway, but just wondering if we need a lawful certificate. Extending 3 meters out in a detached property so well within lawful development

Do you mean Permitted Development and Building Regulations? Yes you still need Building Regulations sign off on the work done

Not building regulations, I know that's a must. But I am talking about putting the drawings through planning to get a certificate that says it's permitted development.

Yes you would need a Certificate of Lawfulness

Technically you don't need a certificate of lawful development. But it might cause issues when you sell if you don't.

My architect submitted the plans and the council replied to him saying that it was all within permitted development so was fine. It was then signed off by the building inspector at the end of the build. Obviously all fine as no problem when sold

No, you don’t need one. It is within PD and as long as you have building regs sign off its fine.

Thanks, asking as tweaked architect drawings a bit and architect now wants more time to redraw and submit for the certificate. Another £200 or so! I know it's not much in the big scheme of things but still...

Lawful Development Certificate is not compulsory and really for your peace of mind and buyer assurance should you sell. More important than the certificate is for you to make sure the extension is built in accordance with the plans in line with permitted development.

Remember plans are just drawings on a piece of paper. Even if you get a certificate, if the build doesn’t match the plans, the certificate means naff all.

Can you apply for this retrospectively? I won't be moving anytime soon

Yep, you can apply for it at any time.

I note you don’t plan on selling anytime soon, but my advice would to make sure you apply within 10 years so the reason for lawfulness is recorded as being permitted development (built properly to PD giving buyer confidence) rather than the extension being built more than 10 years ago so lawful by virtue of time (and not necessarily PD and less buyer confidence) and immune from enforcement action.

Ok, thank you! Supper helpful