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Location plan feature

Reviewing and creating a site location plan

Location plans created on the Planning Portal check against the following legislative criteria:

  • Show the direction of north
  • Fit on either A4 or A3 document sizes
  • To scale (typically 1:1250 or 1:2500 for larger sites)
  • Provide an Ordnance Survey license number
  • Generate an up-to-date map.

Note: Local Planning Authorities have local level requirements for valid location plans, we will provide guidance and tools to meet national requirements, it is up to you to review and create the location plan as accurately as possible.

If you are not sure whether your plans are suitable or require further assistance, you should contact your Local Planning Authority for advice.


Reviewing your location plan will allow you to create a valid location plan

The review step prompts you to check that your location plan meets requirements. The review steps will prompt you to check the following are included:

  • The site boundary (red line boundary)
  • Any additional nearby or adjoining land or buildings, if applicable (blue line boundary)
  • Two or more named roads if possible, or if not, one named road and a landmark.

Reviewing your location plan

The Planning Portal site boundary drawing tool, highlighting a red line boundary and two road names


Example of a valid location plan

Example of a valid location plan


Hints and tips for a valid location plan

The review process ensures that your site boundary is identifiable, this is done by providing two elements of detail regarding your site boundary’s location. This is commonly done by showing two different road names.

However, this may not always be possible, so to increase the likelihood of a valid application you can mark with one road name and a landmark, if necessary.

Some landmarks to consider labelling are rivers, lakes, churches, farms, barns, ponds, historical buildings (towers, castles) cemeteries, parks, football pitches, golf clubs or public paths.

You can add road names and landmarks by using the ‘labels’ function when drawing the site boundary.


Reviewing tips

  • Ensure the site boundary is visible
  • Two different road names are visible
  • Or one road name and a landmark


More information

Read more about how to upload a site boundary and supporting information.

Next1

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Location plan feature – FAQs3

Terms and conditions4

  1. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/help/location-plan-feature/confirming-and-recieving-a-location-plan
  2. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/help/location-plan-feature/uploading-a-site-boundary
  3. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/help/faq/applications/site-boundary-and-location-plan
  4. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/terms-and-disclaimer

The Planning Portal is delivered by PortalPlanQuest Limited which is a joint venture between TerraQuest Solutions Limited and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG). All content © 2024 Planning Portal.

The Planning Portal is delivered by PortalPlanQuest Limited which is a joint venture between TerraQuest Solutions Limited and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG). All content © 2024 Planning Portal.