Lawful Development Certification - Existing Use

Legally Regularise Your Property With CLEUD

At ARM Design & Build, we understand how stressful it can feel proving your property’s use is legal, especially if you’re worried about council action or delays when selling. But with our help, it doesn’t have to be hard.

We handle it all, from finding old proof to speaking with the council so that you can get a strong Certificate of Lawfulness.

Whether it’s a past conversion, an outbuilding, or long-term business use, we’ve helped hundreds of people get the green light. Let us make it easy so that you can move on without worry.

Get Your Quote Now!

What is Lawful Development Certification – Exisiting Use?

A Lawful Development Certificate for Existing Use is an official paper from your local council in Manchester, London, Liverpool, and Birmingham. It proves that the way you’ve been using your land or building is legal under planning rules.

It’s helpful if you’ve used the property the same way for years without any trouble from the council. This certificate gives you peace of mind, protects you from future problems, and clears things up if you plan to sell or develop the property.

Why You Might Need a CLEUD?

A Certificate of Lawful Existing Use or Development (CLEUD) gives you legal proof that your property’s current use or building work is allowed, even if you never had planning permission. It’s especially useful for people across Manchester, London, Birmingham, and Liverpool who want to avoid council trouble or delays when selling.

Here’s when you should think about getting one:

If your local council is threatening enforcement, a CLEUD shows your use is legal, usually after 4+ years for building work or 10+ years for changes of use.
If you’re selling or remortgaging, buyers and banks often ask for proof. A CLEUD clears up any doubt and helps the deal go smoothly.
If you've used a property for years without permission, like turning a barn into a home, a CLEUD makes it official.
If you run a shop turned into an office in places like Birmingham or Manchester, it protects your business from council action.
If you’ve turned a garage or shed into a home in London or Liverpool, a CLEUD confirms it’s legal for living.

Timescales for CLEUD Applications in UK (2025)

10-Year Rule:

This rule applies to any building work or change of use finished after 25th April 2024. If the council doesn’t take action within 10 years, the use or changes become legal. This applies across Manchester, London, Birmingham, and Liverpool.

Transitional 4-Year Rule:

This rule applies only to building work or changes of use finished before 25th April 2024, such as turning a space into a single home. If the council didn’t take action within 4 years, it’s now seen as legal. This applies across Manchester, London, Birmingham, and Liverpool.

Risks of Not Obtaining CLEUD

What to Submit For CLEUD Application?

Why Choose Us?

How ARM Design & Build Simplifies Your CLEUD Approval Journey

Clear CLEUD Process

We take care of it all, from collecting proof to sending it to the council, using clear steps, so you always know what’s happening.

Local Authority Insight

Our ex-council planners understand how things work in Manchester, London, Birmingham, and Liverpool. We spot problems early and deal with them before they cause delays.

Evidence-Led Applications

We don’t just fill in forms, we build strong cases using old bills, signed letters, and dated photos to show how the property’s been used.

Enforcement Protection

Worried about council action? We’ve solved 90% of cases with smart appeals and solid talks. Making sure your property is legal is what we do best.

Before It's Too Late

Protect Your Property's Legality With Us

Don’t let using your property without permission cause problems. Our team makes getting your Lawful Development Certificate easy and worry-free, so you can relax, knowing everything’s legal. Get in touch today for a free check with no pressure at all.

Call Us Now