Retrospective Consent

Retrospective consent covers situations where a change of use or other development becomes lawful over time. This can happen even without formal planning consent from the outset.

A Lawful Development Certificate confirms that an existing or proposed use is lawful. Unlike planning permission, it doesn’t grant new consent, instead, it confirms a use is already lawful.

You need precise, continuous evidence that a use has been in place long enough without enforcement action. As the landowner, you carry the responsibility for providing that evidence. That’s why we recommend getting advice before you apply.

An agricultural occupancy condition restricts who can live in certain countryside homes. Local Planning Authorities usually impose it to protect the rural economy, most often on farmhouses and similar rural dwellings.

In some cases, yes. Farming has changed considerably over the decades, so many properties no longer serve their original purpose. Removing the condition can increase a property’s value by up to 30%, though each case depends on its own circumstances.

No. A retrospective application asks the Local Planning Authority for permission after work has started or finished. A Lawful Development Certificate instead confirms consent was never needed, because enough time has passed without enforcement action. We can advise on which route fits your situation.