With planning permission, you are asking the council if your proposed scheme of works for your loft conversion is acceptable. It is open to rejection by them and/or your neighbours and will have to follow the local development plan. With permitted development rights, you are asking the council to simply confirm that your scheme fits within the permitted development criteria. The council will issue you a Lawful Development Certificate if they agree. Technically, you are not required to have the Lawful Development Certificate in place before the work starts and, in fact, there is no law stating you have to have it. This means that clients who request it, are able start their loft conversion without waiting for the Lawful Development Certificate thus saving time. It is advisable to seek expert advice before assuming your loft conversion meets permitted development rights.
>> What is the difference between permitted development and planning permission?
