It can be confusing to know which service you need. Here’s the key difference:

• Pre-application Advice
  • Gives you guidance on whether your proposal is likely to be supported
  • Helps you improve your plans before making a full application
  • Is informal advice only – it does not give you any legal certainty
  • Timescale: normally within 6 weeks (minor) or 8 weeks (major)

• Lawful Development Certificate
  • Gives you a formal, legally binding decision that your proposal does (or does not) need planning permission
  • Provides written proof that can be used for selling, financing, or appeal purposes
  • Is a statutory application with a legal time limit for decision
  • Timescale: normally 8 weeks from validation