What is the difference between planning drawings and building regulation drawings? In this article I'll explain what the two types of drawings are, what they are used for, and how they differ from each other.

What are planning drawings?

Planning drawings are a set of simplified architectural drawings. 

They are submitted to the local planning authority.

Planning drawings are used to understand and approve the scope of work of a new development or work done on an existing property.

They only pay attention to certain specific details, such as overall size, newly proposed materials, and external features of the building. Planning drawings do not require details on construction methods and materials. 

A set of planning drawings generally includes a site plan, block plan, floor plans, elevations, and basic sections through the building. 

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What are building regulation drawings?

Building Regulation Drawings are a set of detailed drawings and construction details.

They are submitted to the local building control department.

Building Regulation Drawings are used to determine if the proposed development is safe and fit to live in for users in and around a new development or work done on an existing property. 

They are to be drawn at a much more detailed level than the planning drawings. Details include structural information from the engineer, thermal insulation calculations, and proof of full compliance with all relevant parts of the Building Regulations. 

A set of building regulation drawings would include drawings containing detailed information regarding structural systems, mechanical and electric layouts, demolition layouts, and detail sections at large scales of 1:5, 1:10, 1:20, etc. It also generally contains a detailed document with construction method notes and full product specifications, which enables the contractor to ultimately build from.