Site Plan for a Planning Application: What You Need

A site plan gives the planning officer the close-up view. It should make the existing site and the proposed change easy to understand, while remaining accurate when printed or viewed at its stated scale.

What does it need to show?

The exact documents can vary by application type and planning authority, so check the current local validation list. As a practical starting point, include:

  • The site boundary and footprint of existing buildings
  • The position and footprint of the proposed development
  • Access, roads, paths and parking where relevant
  • Key distances, boundaries and neighbouring context
  • A north arrow, scale bar and standard metric scale
  • Other features requested on the local validation list

Quick check: if the plan is printed at the stated paper size, it must still measure accurately at its stated scale.

How to create one

  1. Search for your property on current Ordnance Survey mapping.
  2. Choose a 1:200 or 1:500 site plan depending on the level of detail needed.
  3. Select the area so the whole development site is visible.
  4. Add the red boundary and any useful labels or notes.
  5. Add the proposed footprint or supply the base plan to your designer.
  6. Download the plan and keep it at the stated print size.

Search for your property and create the plan at UKPlanningMaps.com ↗

How much does it cost?

Planning-map prices depend on the plan type, scale, coverage, paper size, file format and whether the order needs bespoke preparation. Check the current UKPlanningMaps.com price list before ordering.

See current prices and available formats ↗

Can I get one free?

A self-drawn plan may be possible for a simple project, but it must still be accurate and meet the planning authority’s requirements. Free mapping is often not licensed for planning use and may not print to an exact scale.

What is the difference?

The site plan shows detailed site layout and proposed work. The location plan shows the site in its wider surroundings so the authority can identify it. Most planning packs use the two plans together.

PlanMain purposeTypical scale
Location / site location planShows where the site is1:1,250 or 1:2,500
Block / site planShows site detail and the proposal1:200 or 1:500

Where can I buy one?

UKPlanningMaps.com provides a quick and easy way to create planning maps online. Search for the property, select the scale and area, draw the boundary and download the finished file immediately. If you need help, call 01856 898 022.

Ready to make your map?

Create your plan in minutes.

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Create your plan ↗Questions? 01856 898 022