Glossary definition
Certificate of Lawfulness
A certificate issued by the local planning authority confirming that an existing use or proposed development is lawful and does not require planning permission. A Certificate of Lawful Existing Use or Development (CLEUD) confirms that a current use has become immune from enforcement, while a Certificate of Lawful Proposed Use or Development (CLOPUD) confirms a proposed use is permitted.
Definition
A certificate issued by the local planning authority confirming that an existing use or proposed development is lawful and does not require planning permission. A Certificate of Lawful Existing Use or Development (CLEUD) confirms that a current use has become immune from enforcement, while a Certificate of Lawful Proposed Use or Development (CLOPUD) confirms a proposed use is permitted. Developers often obtain these to satisfy lenders that a PDR scheme is beyond challenge.
See also
Closely related terms.
Permitted Development Rights
Automatic planning permissions granted by Parliament through the General Permitted Development Order, allowing certain building works and changes of use without needing to apply for planning permission from the local authority.
Planning Permission
Formal consent from the local planning authority required before carrying out most types of development, including new construction, material changes of use, and significant alterations to existing buildings.
Prior Approval
A lighter-touch planning process required for certain types of permitted development, where the local authority assesses specific matters such as transport, flooding, contamination, and noise impact.
Further reading
Guides that touch this term.
Guide
Legal Due Diligence in Development Finance: What Solicitors Check
Legal due diligence is the backbone of every development finance transaction. This guide explains what solicitors investigate, common issues that delay completions, and how to prepare your legal pack.
9 min read readReadGuide
How Does Development Finance Work? A Complete Guide for UK Developers
A ground-up guide to how development finance is structured in the UK, covering loan mechanics, drawdown schedules, monitoring surveyors, and what lenders look for in your application.
5 min read readRead
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