Supporting document types

Plans and drawings are required with most application types to show the Local Planning Authority (LPA) the existing property and proposed development. The drawings needed will vary depending on the work. It is important the drawings meet the required quality standards to be deemed valid. More can be read around these standards below.

Site/block plan

(Also known as: Site layout plan or block plan of site) 

A Site Plan should be included with most applications for development. The site 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 contain a north arrow.  

The primary purpose of a site plan is to show the layout of the site, including any buildings or structures. This should demonstrate 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. 

Detail drawing

Detail drawings are required when doing intricate work or replacing traditional features, such as joinery. These drawings should be to a scale of 1:5, 1:10 or 1:20 and materials which are used should be specified. 

Your local authority may require drawings at a scale of 1:1 or 1:2 for the replacement or alteration of traditional features or joinery sections. 

Elevation

Elevation drawings show the exterior faces of a building; what each side looks like from the outside. You will need to provide existing and proposed drawings with your application to a scale of 1:50 or 1:100. They must show every side affected by the proposal, with the following details: 

• The relevant face of the building
• Fittings such as doors or windows
• Dimensions of the building
• Wall and roof materials, colours and finishes
• The boundaries of the property
• Any additional features

Floor plan

The floor plan is used to show the layout of a building, this is likely to be both the existing and proposed plans. They are necessary for most types of application. 
Included in the floor plan should be:

• A scale of 1:50 or 1:100
• New and existing storeys affected by the proposal with clear labels annotating the floor it represents
• The use of each room and any windows, doors and walls
• The area of an extension or additional floors 

Mixed or combination plans

Use this document type when submitting multiple plans and drawings within a single document. It should be made clear in the description what plans are included and the order they are in.  

Using reference numbers on documents and in the description will help the relevant authority identify which plans relate to each aspect of the development. 

Other plans

(Also known as: additional plans)

Any plans which do not fit under other titles can be submitted through other plans. A local planning authority may specify additional plans to be submitted, if this happens, they may be required to be submitted through this document type. It should be clear in the description which documents are being provided, the order they appear in and identifiable reference numbers. 

Other plans should not be confused with 'other relevant information'; the latter is for text and description of the development while other plans focuses on plans and drawings. 

Roof plan

Roof plans are required when changes are made to the appearance, shape or position of a roof within a development. Both the existing and proposed plans should be provided within the application.  

The roof plan is to be produced at a scale of 1:50 or 1:100 and should include all the features of the roof. Including any windows, roof lights, valleys and chimneys. This should also provide information around the materials and colours which will be used in the development. 

Section drawing

In some cases, you will be required to provide a cross-section of the proposed works, both as they stand and after any changes. This is needed when there is a change in ground levels such as creating steps or filling, or on sites which lie on large slopes. The drawings should be in relation to existing access and infrastructure arrangements. The section drawing should include: 

• 1:50 or 1:100 scale (when through a building)
• 1:200 or 1:500 scale (when through land)
• A cut through of the key new parts of the development such as stairs
• How the proposed works relate to neighbouring buildings
• Floor levels of the building

Site levels plan

Level drawings are required alongside section drawings when there is a change in ground level because of the proposed development. It should include: 

• 1:200 or 1:500 scale
• Proposed levels of the site with comparison to neighbouring plots
• Floor levels of the proposed property
• A fixed point of reference

Location plan

(Also known as: site location plan)

Most planning applications require a location plan to be submitted, displaying the proposal in its surrounding context. It must be based on an up-to-date map and at an identified standard metric scale (typically 1:1250 or 1:2500). 
The location plan should:

• Be scaled to fit on an A4 size document
• Show sufficient roads and/or buildings on land adjoining the application site
• Show application site boundaries and all land necessary to carry out the proposed development i.e. land required for access to the site from the road, outlined in red
• A blue line should be drawn around any other land owned by the applicant that is close to or adjacent to the property

A site location plan¹ (commonly known as location plan) should not be confused with a site plan. 

Sketch plan

Sketch plans are mandatory when making applications for works on trees which are protected by tree preservation orders. The plan does not have to be as detailed as a formal location plan or to scale but should show the rough layout and features of the properties affected by the application, with the any trees clearly displayed. 

Street scene/context plan

If the proposed work is visible from the road, close to another building or dramatically larger than those which surround it then a street scene or context plan must be provided. 
A scale of 1:100 or 1:200 should be used to help demonstrate the difference in levels between the neighbouring boundaries and the proposed work. Including any windows or doors and accurate measurements of size differences.

Visibility splay

A visibility splay shows the angle and distances at which a driver emerging from an access or junction can see and be seen from both directions.

1. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/planning/planning-applications/buy-a-planning-map