Making a planning application

General rules

All drawings should:

• be dated and numbered, with the numbers indicated on the application form
• use colour
• use and show a metric scale/s and scale bar
• be A3 (or not bigger than A1)
• show demolitions and changes to existing buildings in colour or on a separate plan

You should include a supporting statement to explain any design ideas behind your plan.

Outline applications

If drawings on outline applications are for illustrative purposes only, you should make this clear. Outline applications are not usually appropriate for new building work in conservation areas or to listed buildings.

Revised drawings

All revised drawings should show the full extent of the change, the revision number or letter, and the date of the revision.

Location plans

Location plans should:

• be based on an Ordnance Survey 1:1250 scale map (or a 1:2500 scale in rural areas)
• show the direction of north
• outline the site in red
• outline any land in the same ownership that isn't part of the application site in blue
• show any public rights of way in brown

Block plans

Block plans should:

• use a scale that shows all the necessary detail, usually 1:100 or 1:500
• mark the boundaries of the site in red
• label the boundaries with dimensions and a description (for example, 1800 mm brick wall, 1500 mm chain-link fence)
• describe all existing buildings, trees, paths and all other features, whether they'll be staying or not
• include a tree survey (stating the position, crown spread and species) if any tree within the site or overhanging from a neighbouring property will be affected in any way
• include a separate drawing if the site is to be significantly changed
• all boundaries of the site must be dimensioned to existing or new buildings within the site or to those immediately adjoining
• where the proposed development is complex, or likely to affect an adjoining property, the position of buildings, trees and other features external to your site should be dimensioned
• refuse storage and collection points, access roads, existing vehicular access, vehicle turning areas, parking spaces and full visibility splays that may have an effect on adjoining land or properties

Floor plans

Floor plans should:

• use a scale of 1:50 or 1:100
• show the layout of any new or revised areas and their uses (for example, bedroom, kitchen, lift)
• show any new revisions to an existing roof
• show details of a complex roof

Elevations

Drawings of elevations should:

• use a scale of 1:50 or 1:100
• include details of the type and colour of external materials
• show the integration of the proposed design if it affects the street scene (for example, in conservation areas and near listed buildings)
• show present and proposed levels if there is a difference
• show sections through the site and adjoining areas if the area is close to the boundary or there is a significant slope

Listed buildings and archaeology

Listed buildings

If you need to show details of, for example, joinery, plans should use a scale of 1:5, 1:10 or 1:20.

Archaeology

If you're working on land of archaeological importance, you must give full details of work planned below ground (for example, services and foundations).

Parking and access

Your plans must clearly show:

• existing and/or proposed access for vehicles
• the area set aside for parking or garaging of vehicles
• arrangements for servicing of the building (for commercial buildings)

Access for disabled persons

You must provide access for disabled people if your application includes buildings that are open to the public (for example, shops and workplaces).

Your plans must show and describe:

• access
• parking
• toilet facilities