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Certificate of Lawfulness in New Forest — Permitted Development Proof

A legal document confirming your extension falls within Permitted Development rights. Protects you at resale — mortgage lenders and solicitors expect it.

£1,500· Drawings in 2 weeks, decision in 8 weeks
Apply for a certificate
Fixed prices, no surprises
Local team in Poole
Secure Stripe payments
48-hour delivery
Based in Poole since 2017

What's included

  • Existing and proposed floor plans
  • Elevation drawings
  • Site plan and block plan
  • PD compliance assessment
  • Council application and liaison

Certificate of Lawfulness in New Forest

A Certificate of Lawfulness (CLPUD) is a legal document confirming your extension falls within Permitted Development rights. It is not planning permission — it is proof that you don't need it. In New Forest, where a diverse range from chocolate-box New Forest cottages to modern estates in Totton, waterfront properties in Lymington, and suburban homes in Hythe, this certificate protects you when you come to sell.

Why you need one

Mortgage lenders, solicitors, and buyers expect documentary proof that extensions were built legally. Without a certificate, a future buyer's solicitor may raise enquiries that delay or derail your sale. The £1,500 investment now can save months of stress later.

PD rules in New Forest

Much of the New Forest falls within the New Forest National Park, which has its own planning authority (NFNPA). Properties inside the National Park have significantly reduced Permitted Development rights. Properties outside the park boundary but within the district follow standard PD rules. Check whether your property is inside the National Park boundary — the line is not obvious. Inside the park, the NFNPA is the planning authority with stricter rules than the district council We assess your property against all PD conditions before applying — if your project doesn't qualify, we tell you upfront and recommend the planning application route instead.

What we submit

Existing and proposed floor plans, elevation drawings, a site plan, and a compliance statement demonstrating how the proposal meets every PD condition. We submit to New Forest District Council and manage the process through to the certificate being issued.

Typical properties in New Forest

Forest cottages at Appleslade Bottom near Linwood — cluster of traditional New Forest dwellings

Forest cottages at Appleslade Bottom near Linwood — cluster of traditional New Forest dwellings

Fig. 2

Holly Hatch Cottage beside Dockens Water — a remote forest keeper's residence in the New Forest

Holly Hatch Cottage beside Dockens Water — a remote forest keeper's residence in the New Forest

Fig. 3

Lawfulness Cert questions in New Forest

Lawfulness Cert in other areas

PooleBournemouthChristchurchWimborneWarehamSalisburyDorchesterWeymouthFerndownRingwoodBlandfordSwanageVerwood

Other services in New Forest

3D Laser Survey

£650

A 1.5-hour on-site visit with a 3D laser scanner to capture millimetre-accurate measurements of your property. The foundation for precise structural calculations and planning drawings.

Structural Calculations

£350

Engineer-certified structural calculations for your extension or wall removal. Covers beam sizing, foundation design, and Building Regulations compliance.

Planning Application

£2,200

Full householder planning application preparation and submission. We handle the drawings, design and access statement, and council liaison from start to finish.

Building Regulations Drawings

£399

Technical construction detail drawings that satisfy Building Regulations. Covers insulation, drainage, structural details, and everything your builder and building control need.

Builder Introduction

£149

We match you with 2–3 vetted local builders who specialise in your type of project. Includes a professional brief so every builder quotes on the same scope.

Build Coach

from £49/mo

Ongoing expert support throughout your build. From fortnightly AI check-ins to weekly human coaching calls, builder mediation, and trade price verification.

Ready to get started in New Forest?

Certificate of Lawfulness from £1,500. Fixed price, no obligation.

Apply for a certificateSee all pricing

Every plan drawn by qualified drafters in Poole, Dorset

Serving homeowners across Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Wimborne, Wareham, and the wider Dorset area.

Useful links for New Forest homeowners

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