What’s Included in Planning Permission Drawings?

Applying for planning consent is much smoother when your drawings are complete, consistent,
and easy for the case officer to assess. Here’s what’s included in planning permission drawings
in the UK, and how each item helps avoid delays or refusals.

Location and site context

Every application begins with two maps. A Location Plan (typically at 1:1250 or 1:2500)
shows where the site sits within its wider context, with the red line edging the application boundary
and a blue line around any other land in your ownership. A Site/Block Plan (often
1:200 or 1:500) zooms in to show boundaries, access, parking, neighbouring buildings, trees, and
the position of the proposal on the plot. Both plans must include a scale bar and north point.

Existing versus proposed drawings

Planning officers need to compare like-for-like. Provide existing and
proposed sets for every drawing type, clearly labelled and on matching sheet sizes.
This transparency makes the scale of change immediately obvious.

Floor plans

Plans (usually 1:50 or 1:100) show room uses, dimensions, wall thicknesses, door
and window positions, stairs, and key fixtures. For extensions and reconfigurations, highlight
demolition and new construction with a consistent line style so changes read at a glance.
Indicating gross internal area is helpful on larger schemes.

Elevations

Elevations present each external face with accurate levels and heights. Show
proposed materials, fenestration, roof form, ridge and eaves lines, and how the design relates to
neighbouring properties or street context. Where relevant, include daylight/sunlight notes and
any privacy measures such as obscure glazing.

Sections

A simple section through the critical part of the scheme explains volume,
floor-to-ceiling heights, roof build-up, and relationships to ground levels. For sloping sites,
sections are often the clearest way to demonstrate that the proposal is sympathetic and compliant.

Roof and levels information

A roof plan clarifies hips, valleys, rooflights and solar panels.
Site levels/spot heights and any proposed changes to ground, terraces or steps
should be included; even minor level adjustments can trigger conditions if not shown clearly.

Materials and details

A concise materials schedule on the elevation sheets (or a separate annotated key)
sets out bricks/render, roof coverings, windows/doors, and rainwater goods. If you’re in a
conservation area or near a listed building, add notes on colour, texture and heritage rationale.

Notes that keep an application on track

A short list goes a long way:

• Title block & references: applicant details, project address, drawing title/number, date and revision history.
• Scales & scale bars: never rely only on “do not scale”—include a graphic bar.
• North point & dimensions: essential for orientation and assessment.

Supporting documents

While not strictly “drawings”, many schemes benefit from a Design & Access Statement,
Heritage Statement, Tree survey, Flood/drainage/SuDS notes
or a Parking/Transport summary. Refer to them on your plans so the case officer can cross-check quickly.

Final tips

Keep line weights consistent, annotate succinctly, and ensure all sheets align across scales.
If neighbours or streetscape context is sensitive, add a simple streetscene elevation
or massing study. Clear, complete information makes approval faster — and makes your build easier
once permission is granted.