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Why do I need a location or site plan?

Most planning applications need a location plan which shows the proposal in its surrounding context and a site plan (also known as a block plan) which shows the development in more detail.


What is a location plan?

A location plan shows the proposed development in relation to its surrounding properties. 

It must be based on an up-to-date map and at an identified standard metric scale (typically 1:1250 or 1:2500).

It should identify sufficient roads and/or buildings on land adjoining the application site to ensure that the exact location of the application site is clear.

The site of the proposed development needs to be outlined in red and include all land necessary to carry out the proposed development (e.g. land required for access to the site from a public highway, visibility splays, landscaping, car parking and open areas around buildings). Any other land owned by the applicant that is close to or adjoining the site needs to be outlined in blue.

The Planning Portal provides a location plan feature within the planning application service, so you do not need to purchase a separate location plan to support any applications made via the Planning Portal.

You can find out more about how the location plan service works by reading our help and guidance1 or visiting our location plan feature information page2.

What is the location plan feature?


What is a site plan?

A site plan (sometimes called a 'block plan’) shows the proposed development in relation to the property boundary.

Site plans are typically submitted at a scale of either 1:200 or 1:500 and should include the following:

  • The size and position of the existing building (and any extensions proposed) in relation to the property boundary
  • The position and use of any other buildings within the property boundary
  • The position and width of any adjacent streets


The Planning Portal does not currently provide an embedded site/block plan feature.

If your application requires a site plan, we recommend you purchase this from our accredited supplier ReQuestaPlan3, who provide compliant site plans for all planning and building control applications.

Planning Portal will continue to develop and improve the application service and the location plan feature, with the aim of eventually offering an integrated site plan feature into the application service too.

Buy a site plan to support your application


  1. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/help/location-plan-feature
  2. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/professional-portal/location-plan
  3. https://www.requestaplan.co.uk/

The Planning Portal is delivered by PortalPlanQuest Limited which is a joint venture between TerraQuest Solutions Limited and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC). All content © 2024 Planning Portal.

The Planning Portal is delivered by PortalPlanQuest Limited which is a joint venture between TerraQuest Solutions Limited and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC). All content © 2024 Planning Portal.