What affects the price?
The main factors are the area covered, chosen scale, output format and paper size. A standard A4 PDF generally costs less than a large-area plan, printed set or CAD extract. Check the current price list before ordering.
- Scale and ground coverage
- A4, A3 or bespoke paper size
- PDF, image, Word, DWG or DXF format
- Printed copies or digital download
- Standard or manually prepared plan
Why a free or very cheap map may not be comparable
Check whether the price includes licensed current mapping, a true print scale, a north arrow, boundary tools and a usable download. A screenshot is not the same product as a planning-use map.
How to avoid buying twice
Check the council list first, decide whether you also need a block plan and make sure the red boundary is correct before checkout. Previewing the mapping helps catch location errors.
Compare like with like
A low headline price may cover only a small standard PDF, while another quote may include wider mapping, a larger sheet, CAD data, printed copies or boundary preparation. Before comparing prices, write down the scale, ground coverage, page size, file format and delivery method needed for the same site.
| Item | Question to ask |
|---|---|
| Mapping | Is it current and licensed for the intended planning submission? |
| Coverage | Does it include the full site, access and enough identifying context? |
| Output | Is the price for PDF, editable data, print or a bundle? |
| Preparation | Are boundaries self-drawn or checked and prepared for you? |
| Revisions | What happens if the authority asks for a corrected boundary? |
The map charge is not the planning application fee
A location plan is a supporting document purchased or prepared separately. The planning application fee, designer's work, surveys, specialist reports, printing and professional advice are different costs. Keep them as separate lines in the project budget so a cheap map is not mistaken for the total cost of submitting an application.
The cheapest plan is poor value if it cannot be validated
Before paying, check that the output can meet the receiving authority's scale, north-point, context, boundary and licensing requirements. A general web-map screenshot, unlicensed extract or rescaled PDF can lead to a replacement purchase and delay even if it was free or inexpensive.
Local requirements may differ. Check the current validation list for your planning authority before submitting.
See current prices and available formats at UKPlanningMaps.com ↗
Evidence checked 18 August 2026
Official sources and further reading
Planning requirements differ across the UK. The scope label on each source shows where it applies; always use the current rules for the authority receiving the application.
Questions people also ask
Is there an official fixed price for a location plan?
No. Planning rules describe what an acceptable plan should show; commercial suppliers set their own prices for mapping and preparation.
Why can a rural location plan cost more?
A rural site may require wider coverage, a larger sheet, more licensed mapping or manual work to show a long access and dispersed land clearly. That is a supplier decision, not a statutory rule.
Does the location-plan price include the application fee?
Normally not. The map and the planning application fee are separate, and design or specialist reports may also be charged separately.
What should I check before choosing the lowest quote?
Confirm scale, sheet size, coverage, licensing, boundary tools, file format, delivery and revision arrangements for the same specification.
Ready to create your planning map?
Search by postcode or address, choose the scale and coverage, add your application boundary and download from UKPlanningMaps.com. For help with an unusual site, call 01856 898 022.
Create your plan at UKPlanningMaps.com ↗