Vauxhall's factory at Ellesmere Port is to be one of four plants in Europe that will build the new Astra.
If you want to be certain that the existing use of a building is lawful for planning purposes or that your proposal does not require planning permission you can get a certificate called a "Lawful Development Certificate" (LDC).
It is not compulsory to have an LDC but there may be times when you need one to confirm that the use, operation or activity named in it is lawful for planning control purposes. The best example would be when you wish to sell your property.
You may apply to the Council as Local Planning Authority for an LDC. The application must provide sufficient information for the Council to decide the application or else it may be refused.
If you intend to do work that you believe is permitted development but you may want confirmation of this we are able to help you. You can get formal confirmation that planned works are eligible for permitted development rights by making an application under Section 192 (Lawful Development Certificate for a proposed Use or Development).
You may have already made alterations which you believe are covered by permitted development rights but which a prospective purchaser or their solicitor may want proof of as being legal. If you have completed the works but are being challenged as to their status with regard to permitted development rights you make may an application under Section 191 (Lawful Development Certificate of an Existing Use or Development) to establish validity.
Often the issues involved in LDC's are complex and if you decide you need to apply for a certificate you might benefit by obtaining professional advice. The Officers of the Development Control Unit will tell you about the sort of information needed to support your application.
If your application is partly or wholly refused or is granted differently from what you asked for, or is not determined within the time limit of eight weeks, you can appeal. Appeals are made to the Planning Inspectorate.
For further advise please view the following user's guide:-
Return to Permitted Development Rights
Return to What are Permitted Development Rights?
Return to Planning application forms and guidance
