How to prepare a valid planning application
Plans and drawings
The plans and drawings listed below are required for most planning application types.
The specific plan or drawing requirements will depend on what works you want to do.
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Site plan
What you need to do
When is it needed?
Why is it needed?
Further guidance
Submit a plan of the site showing the development in relation to the boundaries and existing on-site buildings.
All applications.
This is a national requirement set out in The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) 2015 (as amended) (external website).
See this guide on how to prepare a site plan (external website).
You can use an external service to buy a site plan (external website).
Make sure you:
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scale plans at 1:100 or 1:50 and include a scale bar on each plan; we prefer A4 and A3 paper size
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include an arrow to show the direction of north
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clearly label and number all immediately adjoining buildings and all main roads surrounding the site
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outline the application site clearly in red. This must include all land required for access to the site from a public highway, visibility splays, landscaping, car parking and open areas around buildings
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outline in blue any other land within the applicant's control that is close to or adjoining the application site
Best practice example:
- Site plan - best practice example (download) (PDF, 1017kb)
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Location plan
What you need to do
When is it needed?
Why is it needed?
Further guidance
Provide a plan showing the location of the development site in the context of the surrounding area.
All applications
This is a national requirement set out in The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) 2015 (as amended) (external website).
Make sure you:
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scale plans at 1:1250 or 1:2500 and include a scale bar on each plan; we prefer A4 and A3 paper size
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make sure each plan has a unique reference number
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use an up-to-date base map
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show roads or buildings on land adjoining the application site (labelling at least two roads)
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outline the application site clearly in red; this must include all land required for access to the site from a public highway, visibility splays, landscaping, car parking and open areas around buildings
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outline any additional land under the ownership of the applicant in blue if it immediately adjoins the proposed area
Best practice example:
- Site plan - best practice example (download) (PDF, 1017kb)
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Existing and proposed floor plans and roof plans
What you need to do
When is it needed?
Why is it needed?
Further guidance
Provide floor plans to show the layout of your development on each level, including the roof.
Most applications.
This is a national requirement set out in The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) 2015 (as amended) (external website).
If you're applying to make an amendment to an approved set of floor plans, you should ensure all proposed changes are clearly labelled.
Make sure you:
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scale plans at 1:100 or 1:50 and includes a scale bar on each plan; we prefer A4 and A3 paper size
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include a unique reference number on each plan
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show any proposed buildings (including household extensions and outbuildings) in context with neighbouring buildings
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include written dimensions, especially for proposed extensions
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include details of materials used in the development
Make sure you don't:
- mark the plans with 'do not scale'
Best practice example:
- Floor plans - best practice example (PDF, 176kb)
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Existing and proposed elevations
What you need to do
When is it needed?
Why is it needed?
Further guidance
Submit elevation drawings to show what the building looks like from the outside.
Elevations should show the front, back and sides of a building.
Most applications.
This is a national requirement set out in The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) 2015 (as amended) (external website).
If you're applying to make an amendment to an approved set of elevations, you should make sure all proposed changes are clearly labelled.
Make sure you:
-
scale plans at 1:100 or 1:50 and include a scale bar on each plan; we prefer A4 and A3 paper size
-
include a unique reference number on each elevation
-
show any proposed buildings (including household extensions and outbuildings) in context with neighbouring buildings
-
include written dimensions, especially for proposed extensions
-
include details of materials used in the development
Please do not:
- mark the plans with 'do not scale'
Best practice example:
- Elevation drawings - best practice example (PDF, 200kb)
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Page last updated: 14 February 2023
