A block plan, also called a site plan, shows your property and the proposed work in relation to the property boundary, and is typically drawn at 1:200 or 1:500. A site location plan shows the site in its wider surroundings on an up-to-date map, typically at 1:1250 or 1:2500, with the site outlined in red. According to the Planning Portal, most planning applications need both.

What is a site location plan?

As the name suggests, a site location plan is a drawing that helps us identify the location of an architectural project. It helps us understand the project in relation to its context and is sometimes referred to as a ‘Location Plan’.

Do I need a site location map for planning application?

Yes, and BeforeBricks can draw you one.

A site location plan is one of the primary documents to be submitted to the Local Planning Authority as part of supporting documents for the planning application.

Why you need a site location plan?

A Site Location Plan identifies the exact location of the project and the property boundary within a wider geographical context.

It is one of the primary documents to be submitted to the Local Planning Authority as part of supporting documents for the planning application.

What is drawing scale?

Drawing scale is used  to conveniently fit large drawings on a reasonable size of paper.

It easily helps us determine the original dimensions of a distance. Often, a scale bar/graphical scale is used to make the drawing easier to read.

‍

‍

What scale is a site location plan drawn in?

Site location plans are typically required to be drawn at either 1:1250 or 1:2500 scale.

The drawings scale must be referenced along with a scalebar for all planning applications, or your local council can refuse to accept the application until drawings are revised.

This can lead to significant delays.

‍

What is a site plan (AKA block plan)?

A site plan, also known as a block plan, is a zoomed-in version of the site plan showing the proposed development in more detail.

It shows the relationship between the property with the plot boundary and immediate surroundings and is sometimes simply called a ‘Site Plan’.

Just like the Site Location Plan, a Block Plan is one of the primary documents to be submitted to the Local Planning Authority as part of supporting documents for the planning application .

The Site Location Plan and Block Plans are generally the minimum drawing requirements for any planning application.

If you would like a free site location plan, check out our blog post on How to Get a Free Site or Block Plan.

‍

Do I need a block plan for planning application?

Not necessarily.

Unlike site location plans, block plans are not always required to submit a planning application.

Although block plans are a common sight in any set of planning drawings, whether or not your application requires one largely depends on the nature and scope of the proposed alterations involved in your project.

For example, if you are submitting a planning application to get permission to change a window of your house because it is a listed building, in a conservation area it is unlikely you would need a block plan.

It is always best to check with your local planning department before submitting the application via planning portal just to be sure.

‍

What scale is a block plan drawn in?

The Block Plan is drawn to standard scales of 1:200 or 1:500 on an A4 or A3 sheet.

There are also exceptions when a 1:100 Block Plan is needed. In these cases, an A2 sheet can be used to meet the requirements instead of an A4 or A3.

You can usually find out which scale is best by visiting your local council's planning website.

A clear linear scale bar could also be used to be more helpful for online applications.

Site location plan vs Block plan

All Site and Block plans that are submitted for approval should be based on a recently updated ordnance survey map.

In addition, there are the guidelines put forth by the planning department for the plans to be valid for approval.

The requirements of each of these plans are as listed below.

Site location plan guidelines

There are a number of project specific guidelines for site location plans, but here are the core drawing information requirements to be included:

• Paper size A4 or A3
• Scale 1:1250 or 1:2500
• North Point
• Plot boundary - Red
• Other land owned by applicant (close or adjoining site) - Blue
• Buildings, roads and footpaths on land adjoining the site - for clear identification

Block plan guidelines

There are a number of project specific guidelines for block plans, but here are the core drawing information requirements to be included:

• Paper size A3 or A4
• Scale 1:200 or 1:500
• North Point
• Plot boundary marked in red line
• Other land owned by applicant (close or adjoining site) marked in blue line
• Buildings, roads and footpaths on land adjoining the site

• Plot boundary dimensions

• Access points and rights of way to site
• Trees
• On site + Adjacent plots Additional built structures (sheds, out-buildings, garden structures)

• Extent and the type of any hard surfacing
• Boundary treatment - walls, fencing, etc

Why complete plans matter

Councils check that the right drawings are included before an application is validated. On a single storey side infill extension we worked on in Leytonstone, Waltham Forest first returned the application as invalid because drawings were missing. Once the full set was supplied and the eaves height was amended at the officer's request, it was approved in September 2026.

The same applies outside planning applications. A lawful development certificate application also needs a plan identifying the land.

If you are not sure which plans your project needs, book a free advice call and we will talk it through with you.