The detail.
Review decision notices, approved plans, conditions and the history of actual use. A letting advert, business rates description or lease may be useful context but does not on its own establish the lawful planning use.
This guidance applies to England. The lawful use, conditions, any proposed works and the facts of the operation should be checked for each property.
What to check.
- Gather the address, planning references, decision notices and any evidence of use.
- Ask a planning adviser about the records and whether to seek a lawful development certificate.
A planning adviser or the local planning authority can advise on the specific property and proposal.
Sources.
- Planning Portal: use classes in England
- GOV.UK: when is permission required?
- Planning Portal: finding the existing use
Sources reviewed 6 November 2026. General information, not a planning opinion.