Secure Your Future Plans with CLPUD
Worried your building plans might need full planning permission? Our CLOPUD service gives you certainty before you start construction. We specialize in securing Certificates of Lawfulness for Proposed Use across all major Permitted Development projects – from house extensions and loft conversions to barn conversions and commercial-to-residential changes.
Our ex-council planners handle the entire process, ensuring your project meets all requirements so you can build with confidence, avoid enforcement risks, and save months of unnecessary delays.
What is Lawful Development Certification for Proposed Use?
A Lawful Development Certificate for Proposed Use commonly called CLOPUD, this is an official decision from your Local Planning Authority that confirms your proposed use or works don’t require planning permission under section 192 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. It verifies your project complies with Permitted Development regulations, serving as a legally binding document that prevents future enforcement issues while providing certainty for transactions, financing, and construction.
When Do You Need a CLOPUD?
Here are scenarios when a Certificate of Lawfulness for Proposed Use or Development (CLOPUD) is essential:
- It is essential before starting construction to confirm your project complies with Permitted Development rules.
- Buyers and lenders often require the certificate during property transactions to ensure the legality of planned developments.
- It is commonly needed for projects such as house extensions, loft conversions, outbuildings, or changes like commercial-to-residential or agricultural-to-residential conversions.
- The certificate can help avoid disputes with neighbors by proving compliance with planning regulations, especially in areas with Article 4 restrictions.
- It secures your legal rights under current planning laws, protecting your project from future regulation changes.
What’s the Difference Between a CLEUD and a CLPUD?
The planning permission process in UK is usualy divided into two separate stages:
1: CLEUD (Certificate of Lawfulness for Existing Use)
This certificate legalizes past unauthorized building work or changes of use that have existed for 4+ years (for structures) or 10+ years (for changes of use). It protects you from enforcement action by proving the development is now lawful due to the passage of time.
2: CLPUD (Certificate of Lawfulness for Proposed Use)
This certificate confirms that your planned development doesn’t require planning permission because it qualifies as Permitted Development. It’s obtained before starting work to ensure your project is legally compliant from the outset.
Key Difference: CLEUD fixes past unauthorized work, while CLOPUD approves future permitted projects.
Without a CLOPUD:
- You may be forced to undo unauthorized work
- Risk facing enforcement fines
- Delays when selling or refinancing
- Legal disputes with neighbors or authorities
- Miss protection from future rule changes
With a Clopud
- Certainty your plans are lawful
- Faster approval than full planning
- Smooth property transactions
- Protection from enforcement risks
- Secure rights under current laws
How ARM Design & Build Guarantees Your CLOPUD Approval
Permitted Development Verification
We analyze your proposed project against national and local Permitted Development criteria. Our assessment confirms whether your plans qualify or require full planning permission.
Local Authority Negotiation
With insider knowledge of council processes, we preemptively address potential objections. Our direct liaison with planning officers minimizes delays and queries.
Enforcement Risk Mitigation
We secure legally binding confirmation that your project complies before construction begins. This protects against future enforcement actions and costly modifications.
Timely Approval Guarantee
We prioritize efficient processing within typical 8-12 week timelines. Our tracking system ensures no deadlines are missed during council review.
Property Transaction Support
Our certificates provide the evidence solicitors and lenders need for smooth transactions. We tailor documentation to satisfy specific buyer or financier requirements.
Unsure About Permitted Development?
Get Expert Clarity Now
Our team at ARM Design & Build specializes in securing Lawful Development Certificates for proposed uses, ensuring your plans comply with UK regulations. Get peace of mind and expert guidance today to move your project forward confidently.
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PLANNING PERMISSIONS



LAWFUL DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATES- Existing Use



MEASURED BUILDING SURVEY (3D scanning)



CHANGE OF USE



PRIOR APPROVAL – Larger home extensions



PRIOR APPROVAL – Commercial to Residential



STRUCTURAL DESIGN & CALCULATION


