If you are planning a home improvement or a new building project, you may need to apply for planning permission from your local council. One of the most common reasons for planning applications being rejected by a local planning officer is that the accompanying site location plans are not provided or are not provided correctly. We answer frequently asked questions surrounding site location plans to aid understanding around the topic.

What is a site location plan?

Most planning applications need a location plan which shows the proposed project in the context of its surroundings. A site location plan is drawn to a metric scale, which shows the property where planning permission is sought and the surrounding areas. It must be based on an up-to-date map. Site location plans should clearly show the location and boundaries of the proposed (and entire) development site.

What should a site location plan show?

For a location plan to be accepted with a planning application, it must meet certain criteria. The Planning Portal outlines these as: 

Source: planningportal.co.uk

The Government’s guidance on ‘Making an application’ will provide details of the plans and drawings needed for effective planning application process delivery.

How do I create a location plan?

It is possible to create and buy your location plans online and attach them to your online planning application. However, if you are unsure whether your plans fit all the criteria or require assistance, contact your Local Planning Authority for advice. It is important that the site location plans that you submit are clear enough for third parties, such as neighbours who may not be familiar with reading location plans, to understand them. At the same time, the location plan you submit needs to be valid and adhere to the necessary guidelines.

Purchasing your plan from the Planning Portal is a great fool-proof option. However, a professional building contractor should be able to do this for you if required. In fact, for a modest charge, an excellent quality builder should be able to manage the whole planning application process for you, including producing all the technical and detailed drawings, location plans, purchasing digital maps, and site plans. Enlisting the help of a professional will not only save you tonnes of time, but you will also enjoy peace of mind that the planning process will be managed confidently. There is no stress, hassle, or chasing involved for the customer. The process will be managed for you from beginning to end.

What is the difference between a site plan and a location plan?

A site plan is sometimes referred to as a block plan because it shows the proposed development in relation to the property boundary. It will include the size and position of the existing building and any extensions proposed in relation to the property boundary. Site plans should also disclose the position and use of any other buildings found within the property boundary.

In short, a site location plan shows the proposed development in relation to its surrounding properties. A site plan, however, shows the proposed development in relation to the property boundary.

Like a location plan, site plans are drawn using a metric scale, but in the case of site plan, typical metrics tend to be 1:100, 1:200 or 1:500.

For a site plan to be accepted with a planning application, it must meet the following criteria:

Source: planningportal.co.uk. Please note: the images included are examples and are only images of the plan and do not include the north arrow, licence number, or copyright statement which should feature on actual plan you submit.

The Planning Portal also states:

When using Ordnance Survey mapping for planning applications, the map should:

  • Not to be a Land Registry document.
  • Not to be used for multiple applications.
  • Show OS Crown copyright as an acknowledgment.
  • Not to be a photocopy or screen grab image.
  • Not to be copied from existing OS mapping if using hand drawn maps – such as standard sheets.
  • Show the correct licence number if you wish to print or copy maps for applications.

We always recommend checking what plans and documents you need for your project with your Local Planning Authority (LPA). Your LPA may have local level requirements that need to be fulfilled too, which can vary from council to council. If you are planning to submit application plans online yourself via the Planning Portal, the service will detail what plans are required as set by the Local Planning Authority in question.

If you are planning to undertake a project of your own in the next few months and you plan to repair or replace timber windows or doors, our professional joiners would be happy to help. We have a wealth of experience in designing, crafting, and installing custom-made joinery, as well as in-depth knowledge of the planning application process, particularly relating to listed properties and properties within conservation areas. Contact us for a chat.