Planning drawings
When undertaking construction or development projects, one of the first and most crucial steps is obtaining planning permission. Central to this process are planning drawings, which visually communicate your proposal to the local planning authority. These drawings are essential in determining whether a development is appropriate, lawful, and in harmony with its surroundings.
What Are Planning Drawings?
Planning drawings are architectural illustrations submitted as part of a planning application to demonstrate the design, scale, appearance, and layout of a proposed development. Their primary purpose is to help the local planning authority evaluate the visual and spatial impact of a project on its site and surroundings.
Unlike Building Regulations drawings, which focus on technical construction details and compliance with safety standards, planning drawings are more concerned with aesthetics, layout, use, and contextual fit.
When Are Planning Drawings Required?
Planning drawings are required for most types of development that need planning permission, including:
• New build houses and commercial properties
• Extensions (rear, side, loft, or roof)
• Conversions (e.g., converting a house into flats)
• Changes of use (e.g., from residential to commercial)
• Outbuildings and garden structures
• Significant changes to the exterior of a property
Some minor works fall under Permitted Development (PD) rights and do not require full planning drawings, but a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) with supporting plans may still be needed for confirmation.
In conservation areas, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and for listed buildings, planning drawings are almost always necessary, even for minor works.
Key Types of Planning Drawings
The set of planning drawings typically includes:
1. Location Plan
• A map showing the site in relation to the surrounding area.
• Usually at a scale of 1:1250 or 1:2500.
• Must clearly show the application site outlined in red, with any other land in the applicant’s ownership outlined in blue.
2. Site Plan / Block Plan
• A more detailed map of the proposed development site.
• Typically drawn at 1:500 or 1:200.
• Shows boundaries, existing and proposed structures, landscaping, access points, and nearby buildings.
3. Existing and Proposed Floor Plans
• Floor layouts before and after development.
• Typically at 1:50 or 1:100.
• Used to illustrate internal changes, extensions, or conversions.
4. Existing and Proposed Elevations
• Side-on views of the building showing external appearance and materials.
• Helps assess design quality, scale, and impact on the street scene.
5. Section Drawings (sometimes required)
• Cross-sectional views of the building or site.
• Helpful for sloping sites or complex structures.
6. Roof Plans (if relevant)
• Useful when altering roof form or adding dormers, skylights, or solar panels.
7. Design and Access Statement (for major or sensitive applications)
• A written document explaining the design rationale, layout decisions, and how the proposal considers accessibility, sustainability, and local context.
Best Practices for Planning Drawings
To increase your chances of approval:
1. Follow Local Planning Policy
Each local planning authority has its own Local Plan and Design Guides. Ensure your proposal aligns with these.
2. Be Accurate and Consistent
All drawings must be to scale, with clear annotations, north arrows, and scale bars. Inconsistencies between plans can delay or undermine your application.
3. Respect the Context
Designs that are overly dominant or out of character with the neighbourhood often face objections. Context-sensitive design is more likely to be approved.
4. Include All Relevant Information
Don’t omit key views or elevations. Transparency and detail build confidence with planning officers.
5. Pre-Application Advice
Many councils offer a pre-application service, where you can get informal feedback on your proposals before submitting a formal application. This can help identify potential issues early.
Planning Permission vs. Permitted Development
Not all projects require full planning permission. Under Permitted Development Rights, some home extensions, loft conversions, and garden buildings may proceed without formal approval. However, you may still need to submit:
• A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) for legal clarity
• Drawings for prior approval in specific PD cases (e.g. large rear extensions)
Understanding whether your project falls under PD or needs full planning permission is crucial.
Digital Submission and Validation
Most planning applications in the UK are now submitted online through the Planning Portal (www.planningportal.co.uk). Once submitted:
• The local authority validates your application
• A public consultation period follows
• A decision is typically made within 8 weeks for household applications, or 13 weeks for major developments
Why Good Planning Drawings Matter
High-quality planning drawings:
• Improve your chances of approval
• Minimise objections from neighbours and consultees
• Speed up the decision-making process
• Reduce costly revisions and resubmissions
They are also legally significant and may be used in enforcement or appeal cases, so accuracy and completeness are vital.
Conclusion
Planning drawings are the foundation of a successful planning application in the UK. They are not just artistic representations but formal technical documents used to assess a proposal’s suitability within its environment. Whether you’re building a new house, extending your home, or converting an attic, investing in proper planning drawings prepared by Draw and Plan can make all the difference.