Retrospective planning
Retrospective planning permission and enforcement. Applying for permission after building, time limits for enforcement, and lawful development certificates.
Retrospective planning permission explained
Retrospective planning permission is permission applied for after building work or a change of use has taken place. When you can apply, how it works, time limits, and what happens if refused.
Supporting guides
Planning permission 4-year rule
Building works become immune from enforcement after four years. How the rule works and what evidence you need.
Lawful development certificate explained
Certificates that confirm development is lawful without needing planning permission. CLOPUD and CLEUD explained.
Certificate of lawfulness (existing use)
Certificates for uses that have continued for 10 years. Evidence required and when to use one.
Planning enforcement notice explained
What enforcement notices are, when councils issue them, and penalties for non-compliance.
Other planning topics
Planning permission basics — What planning permission is and when you need it
Planning costs — How much planning applications cost
Permitted development — When you can build without permission
Building regulations — Building regulations vs planning permission