Making a planning application

Submit valid plans and drawings

General rules

  1. Drawings must be submitted in single layer PDF format – please flatten plans created in CAD with multiple layers.
  2. Where possible supply drawings at A1 or A3 – for larger site or scheme we appreciate this may not be appropriate.
  3. Do not supply drawings with optional scales at different paper sizes.
  4. Scanned drawings must be a minimum 200 dpi resolution.
  5. An issue sheet (list of drawings supplied) must be included and must show drawing number, description and paper size.
  6. Drawing file names must match the drawing number and description on the issue sheet.
  7. Critical dimensions must be checked both on the PDF and at scale – where the scale bar and set scale do not match your drawing will be invalid.
  8. All drawings must be correctly orientated when viewed on screen.
  9. Include a scale bar and key dimensions on all drawings.
  10. Drawing titles must be clear, simple and consistent to assist the general public in understanding the proposals. Titles should follow a standard format and clearly identify whether drawings are existing or proposed.

Standard drawing title guidance

Drawing titles should follow the format: [Status] + [Drawing Type] + [Level/Orientation]
For example:

  • Proposed ground floor plan
  • Existing rear elevation
  • Proposed Section A-A

Typical drawing titles

Location and site plans

  • Location plan
  • Block plan
  • Existing site plan

Floor plans

  • Existing ground floor plan
  • Proposed ground floor plan
  • Existing first floor plan
  • Proposed first floor plan
  • Existing roof plan
  • Proposed roof plan

Elevations

  • Existing front elevation
  • Proposed front elevation
  • Existing rear elevation
  • Proposed rear elevation
  • Existing side elevation (Left / Right)
  • Proposed side elevation (Left / Right)

(Alternatively: north, south, east and west elevations where appropriate) 

Sections

  • Existing Section A-A
  • Proposed Section A-A
  • Existing Section B-B
  • Proposed Section B-B

Additional supporting drawings (where applicable)

  • Street scene elevation
  • Context elevation
  • Proposed site sections
  • Proposed levels plan
  • Demolition plan
  • Proposed landscaping plan
  • Tree survey plan

You should include a supporting statement to explain any design ideas behind your plan.

Outline applications

If drawings on outline applications are for illustrative purposes only, you should make this clear. Outline applications are not usually appropriate for new building work in conservation areas or to listed buildings.

Revised drawings

All revised drawings should show the full extent of the change, the revision number or letter, and the date of the revision.

Location plans

Location plans should:

  • be based on an Ordnance Survey 1:1250 scale map (or a 1:2500 scale in rural areas)
  • show the direction of north
  • outline the site in red
  • outline any land in the same ownership that isn't part of the application site in blue
  • show any public rights of way in brown

Block plans

Block plans should:

  • use a scale that shows all the necessary detail, usually 1:100 or 1:500
  • mark the boundaries of the site in red
  • label the boundaries with dimensions and a description (for example, 1800 mm brick wall, 1500 mm chain-link fence)
  • describe all existing buildings, trees, paths and all other features, whether they'll be staying or not
  • include a tree survey (stating the position, crown spread and species) if any tree within the site or overhanging from a neighbouring property will be affected in any way
  • include a separate drawing if the site is to be significantly changed
  • all boundaries of the site must be dimensioned to existing or new buildings within the site or to those immediately adjoining
  • where the proposed development is complex, or likely to affect an adjoining property, the position of buildings, trees and other features external to your site should be dimensioned
  • refuse storage and collection points, access roads, existing vehicular access, vehicle turning areas, parking spaces and full visibility splays that may have an effect on adjoining land or properties

Floor plans

Floor plans should:

  • use a scale of 1:50 or 1:100
  • show the layout of any new or revised areas and their uses (for example, bedroom, kitchen, lift)
  • show any new revisions to an existing roof
  • show details of a complex roof

Elevations

Drawings of elevations should:

  • use a scale of 1:50 or 1:100
  • include details of the type and colour of external materials
  • show the integration of the proposed design if it affects the street scene (for example, in conservation areas and near listed buildings)
  • show present and proposed levels if there is a difference
  • show sections through the site and adjoining areas if the area is close to the boundary or there is a significant slope

Listed buildings and archaeology

Listed buildings

If you need to show details of, for example, joinery, plans should use a scale of 1:5, 1:10 or 1:20.

Archaeology

If you're working on land of archaeological importance, you must give full details of work planned below ground (for example, services and foundations).

Parking and access

Your plans must clearly show:

  • existing and/or proposed access for vehicles
  • the area set aside for parking or garaging of vehicles
  • arrangements for servicing of the building (for commercial buildings)

Access for disabled persons

You must provide access for disabled people if your application includes buildings that are open to the public (for example, shops and workplaces).

Your plans must show and describe:

  • access
  • parking
  • toilet facilities