A planning application requires a location plan, site plan, and existing and proposed floor plans and elevations. Here is exactly what is required, what each drawing must show, and who can prepare them.
Every householder planning application in England requires a minimum set of drawings. Submitting without these will result in the LPA invalidating your application — meaning the clock does not start and you will need to resubmit.
The location plan places the application site in its wider context. It must be:
You cannot use Google Maps or similar for a location plan — it must be an OS-based map. The Planning Portal sells location plans directly. Expect to pay £5–£30 depending on the site area and supplier.
The site plan (sometimes called a block plan) shows the application site in detail. It must be drawn at 1:500 scale and show:
Floor plans must be drawn at 1:50 or 1:100 scale and show:
For an extension, you will need plans of the ground floor (and any upper floors affected) showing both the current layout and the proposed new layout. The two plans must be at the same scale.
Elevations show the external faces of the building. You need:
| Drawing | When Required |
|---|---|
| Roof plan | When the roof form changes (new ridge, dormer, flat roof extension) |
| Sections | Complex changes in level; loft conversions; basements |
| Materials schedule | Some LPAs require this as a standalone document |
| Landscaping plan | Applications with significant hard/soft landscaping changes |
| Tree survey / AIA | Where protected trees or trees on the boundary are affected |
| Street scene elevation | Some LPAs request this for prominent locations |
Regardless of drawing type, all planning drawings must include:
Drawings submitted without a title block or scale bar are commonly returned as invalid.
Planning drawings can be prepared by:
| Provider | Typical Cost (drawings only) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Online drawing service | £150–£350 | Basic drawings; you provide dimensions |
| Architectural technician | £300–£700 | Site visit included; good for standard extensions |
| Architectural technologist | £500–£1,000 | More detailed; often includes design advice |
| RIBA architect | £800–£2,500+ | Full design service; appropriate for complex schemes |
These figures are for planning drawings only and do not include building regulations drawings, which are a separate cost if you need them.
No. Location plans must be based on an Ordnance Survey map. The Planning Portal sells OS-based location plans directly for a few pounds. Using Google Maps or similar will result in the application being invalidated.
You need existing and proposed drawings for all affected elevations. For a rear extension, this typically means the rear elevation and both side elevations. The front elevation is usually not needed unless the works affect it. Some LPAs ask for all four elevations — check their local validation checklist.
Floor plans and elevations should be at 1:50 or 1:100 scale. The location plan must be 1:1250 (or 1:2500 for rural sites). The site/block plan must be 1:500. All drawings must include a scale bar.
Extensions, loft conversions, outbuildings, solar panels — our complete guide covers everything you can build without planning permission.
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