Almost all planning applications require a location plan and a block plan (or site plan) to be submitted as supporting documents.

Many applications are delayed because of incorrect plans provided.

Location and block plans should:

  • be purchased within the last 12 months from a licensed reseller
  • show the correct Ordinance Survey licence number
  • show the direction north

They should not:

  • be a Land Registry document
  • be copied from existing Ordinance Survey mapping
  • be a photocopy or screen grab

Location plan

A location plan should be based on an up-to-date map. The scale is typically 1:1250 or 1:2500, but wherever possible the plan should be scaled to fit onto A4 or A3 size paper.

A location plan should identify sufficient roads and/or buildings on land adjoining the application site to ensure that the exact location of the application site is clear.

The application site should be edged clearly with a red line on the location plan.

It should include all land necessary to carry out the proposed development (eg land required for access to the site from a public highway, visibility splays, landscaping, car parking and open areas around buildings).

A blue line should be drawn around any other land owned by the applicant, close to or adjoining the application site

Block plan

A block plan is typically drawn to the scale of 1:200 or 1:500 and shows the footprint of a proposal and detail of any changes to the existing boundary treatment.

Please note, a block plan is not needed if it is a duplication of what is clearly visible and identifiable on the location plan. 

Written dimensions of boundaries may be included in the block plan to assist with the understanding of the development and its relationship to neighbouring properties. 

Block plans should only include features that would influence or be impacted by the proposed development.

This may include:

  • all buildings, roads and footpaths on land adjoining the site including access arrangements
  • all public rights of way crossing or adjoining the site
  • the position of all trees on the site and those on adjacent land
  • the extent and type of any hard surfacing
  • the boundary treatment including walls or fencing where this is proposed
  • parking, unless a separate Parking Plan is provided.

More information on maps, plans and planning applications can be found on the Planning Portal. 

Ordnance Survey copyright

Our copyright agreement with Ordnance Survey means that we can only accept and publish plans produced using Ordnance Survey data.

Plans need to have a valid licence number, been issued by the Ordnance Survey and allow applicants/agents the ability to access information.  

Alternatively, the map must include the date it was created, identify the Ordnance Survey licensed supplier and a serial number. This provides the necessary evidence that the Ordnance Survey copyright is not being breached.

These details must be included, otherwise your application will not be accepted by the council and will be classed as being invalid. This will delay your application until the information is received.

The council will accept site survey plans drawn by a surveyor. These must carry a statement that confirms that Ordnance Survey information has not been used.

Non-compliance with Ordnance Survey copyright may lead to legal proceedings and a fine.