Types of scale drawings and plans for planning applications

Requirements for drawings and plans

when you submit your planning application, you must include a series of accurate drawings and plans that clearly illustrate what you are proposing
inaccurate dimensions and poor overall quality of drawings and plans can lead to enormous difficulties when sites eventually come to be developed
all drawings and plans must be of a suitable standard of presentation. Freehand sketches and pencil drawings are not acceptable
all dimensions and quantities on drawings must be expressed in metric measurements. Planning application drawings with imperial units will not be accepted.

We recommend you use a planning agent familiar with the planning process to help with your planning application, especially if you’re new to the planning process, your project is complex or if the project relates to a conservation area.

A complete submission of drawings or plans would include:

Location plan

based on up-to-date Ordnance Survey maps at a scale of 1:1250 or 1:2500, showing at least two named roads and surrounding land and buildings. Site location plans can be purchased via the Planning Portal website.
the properties shown must be numbered so that there is no misunderstanding about the exact location of the application site
the site of the application must be edged clearly with a red line. It should include all land necessary to carry out the proposed development - for example, land required for landscaping, or car parking and open areas around buildings such as gardens
for a householder application, the red line must be drawn around the boundaries of the house and garden and not, for example, just around the ground area a proposed extension may occupy.
a blue line must be drawn around any other land owned by the applicant close to or adjoining the application site.

Site plan

drawn to scale to show the relationship of the proposal to the site boundary and any buildings on adjacent land.

Floorplans

usually at a scale of 1:100, although if a 1:50 scale is used for the elevational drawings it is better to maintain the same scale throughout the submission.

Elevations

usually at a scale of 1:50 or 1:100. There must be an elevational drawing of all sides of the proposed buildings
for extensions and elevational alterations, the elevations should illustrate the existing buildings/existing elevations, and in particular show the relationship between windows and door openings
some types of application may also be required to provide a contextual drawing showing a street scene of the proposed development in relation to neighbouring buildings.