There are two types of Certificates, relating to either existing or proposed development. A lawful development certificate for a proposed use or development allows you to confirm whether or not proposals to carry out building works or use a building or other land for a particular purpose is lawful; in other words, the law allows this to be done without the need for planning permission. A certificate for an existing use or development is used to confirm whether an existing building or use of a building or land is lawful. It may also be used to confirm that an activity that might be in breach of a planning condition may still be carried out without the need for planning permission. Such certificates can confirm that the works or use cannot be the subject of enforcement action under planning legislation.