What a planning map can mean
A site location plan shows where the application site is. A block or site plan shows the proposal in relation to the site's boundaries and existing buildings. A proposed layout may add design detail to that base. Floor plans, elevations, roof plans, sections and specialist habitat or access plans have different jobs and are not interchangeable map products.
Start with the application route
Full permission, householder permission, outline permission, prior approval, lawful-development certificates, listed-building consent and condition applications have different evidential needs. Do not buy a standard bundle before confirming the route.
| Route | Typical mapping need |
|---|---|
| Full or householder permission | Location plan, detailed site plan where relevant and design drawings |
| Outline permission | Location plan plus use, amount and access information; other matters may be reserved |
| Prior approval | A plan defining the site and proposal as required by that specific route |
| Lawful Development Certificate | Precise plans and evidence defining the existing or proposed use or work |
| Condition, variation or amendment | Documents relevant to the approved permission; not automatically a full new-application pack |
Location plan: where is the site?
For an English planning-permission application, the location plan is the national minimum. It should use a current map at an identified metric scale, show north and enough adjoining roads or buildings, outline the application site in red and show other nearby applicant-owned land in blue where required.
Site or block plan: what is happening there?
The closer plan commonly uses 1:200 or 1:500 and shows the development in relation to boundaries and existing buildings. Add relevant dimensions, access, roads and paths, parking, trees, hard surfaces, levels, landscaping and boundary treatment where they affect or are affected by the proposal.
Architectural and specialist drawings
Floor plans, elevations, roof plans and sections explain the designed work. Transport, drainage, habitat, tree, heritage or flood plans may be triggered by the proposal or site. These documents need to use the same site, proposal and revision as the mapping.
Choose scale, coverage and paper size together
1:1,250 and 1:2,500 are typical location scales; 1:500 and 1:200 are common site scales. Choose enough context and detail for the document's purpose, then state the scale and original sheet size together. A screen zoom does not change scale, but resizing or print-to-fit does.
Licensing and boundary limitations
Use current mapping with the rights needed for a planning submission and retain the required acknowledgement and licence number. The red line defines the planning application site; it is not proof of ownership. OS topographic features and Land Registry general boundaries do not normally establish the exact legal boundary.
A reliable submission workflow
Check all plans and drawings together before uploading them, so the boundary, proposal and revision details match.
- Confirm the application type, UK nation and determining authority
- Read the current national and local validation requirements
- Define the site and necessary access
- Prepare location and site plans from consistent base information
- Coordinate the proposal across every drawing
- Add titles, numbers, dates, revisions, scales and paper sizes
- Test the final PDF rather than only the source file
- Remove superseded drawings and upload clear filenames
Local requirements may differ. Check the current validation list for your planning authority before submitting.
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
Do I always need two planning maps?
No single rule covers every application. In England a location plan is the minimum for planning permission; most building or layout proposals also need a detailed site plan.
What is the difference between a location plan and a block plan?
The location plan identifies the site in its wider surroundings. The block plan shows the detailed site layout and the proposal's relationship to boundaries and buildings.
Can I use a Google Maps screenshot?
It is generally unsuitable because scale, licensing, boundary presentation, currency and print reliability may not satisfy the authority's requirements.
Can I use a Land Registry title plan?
Do not assume so. It shows the registered title's general extent and serves a different purpose from a current, application-specific planning location plan.
Does a correct map guarantee validation?
No. The form, fee, certificates, drawings and locally required supporting information must also be complete and consistent.
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 ↗