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Submitting a Planning Application
Consideration of planning applications can be delayed until the appropriate information has been received. This section offers guidance on the type of information that the Council is looking for in a full application.
General
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All drawings accompanying the application must be dated and numbered and these numbers must be indicated on the application form
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All revised drawings must indicate the full extent of the change and show a revision number/letter and the date of the revision
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The scale (or scales) of the drawings must be shown. All drawings should be to a suitable metric scale
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Wherever possible drawings larger than A1 size should be avoided
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Drawings for illustrative purposes in outline applications should be indicated accordingly
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The drawings should give an accurate account of the proposals and indicate whether they are enlarged from an OS map or drawn from a survey
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Where existing buildings are to be altered or extended, the new work must be clearly shown and the demolitions indicated. The use of colour is to be encouraged in distinguishing new work from existing. However, it would help if new work were shown on a separate plan
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Outline planning applications are not generally appropriate for new building work in conservation areas or to listed buildings. Guidance for alterations to listed buildings is available on request from the Council
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Presentation is important and the use of colour generally to clarify drawings is suggested, in particular for larger or complex schemes. You are encouraged to submit a supporting presentation where this would be appropriate to explain any design philosophy behind your proposals.
Specialist matters
When it is necessary to show joinery detail, especially in the case of listed buildings, plans should be to a scale of 1:5, 1:10 or 1:20.
Where archaeological sites are involved, full details of below groundwork (including services, foundations and their method of excavation) should be shown.
Location plans
A location plan must be provided for all applications. It should normally be based on an Ordnance Survey 1:1250 scale map or, if necessary, 1:2500 scale in rural areas.
The site must be outlined in red and any land in the same ownership in blue. It is also helpful if public rights of way are shown in brown.
Ordnance Survey plans, for use only in connection with submitting applications, are available from the Council for a charge which includes the Ordnance Survey royalty payment.
Maps for planning applications are available on online or by contacting the Development Control Team.
Site plan
The following information should be included:
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North point
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The boundaries of the site should be edged in red, dimensioned and described e.g. 1800 mm brick wall, 1500 mm chain link fence
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The scale must be suitable to show all the required detail of the scheme. This will usually be 1:500 or 1:100.
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All existing buildings, trees, paths and all other features within the site are to be described, whether retained or removed
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All boundaries of the site must be dimensioned to existing or new buildings within the site or to those immediately adjoining
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Where the proposed development is complex, or likely to affect an adjoining property, the position of buildings, trees and other features external to your site should be dimensioned
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Survey information should show important landscape features, spot heights and where appropriate contours. Present and proposed levels must be indicated if changes are to be made
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Where existing site conditions are significantly revised then these should be shown on a separate drawing
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If any tree within the site or overhanging from a neighbouring property is affected in any way, then a tree survey must be provided indicating the position, crown spread and species
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Access roads, existing vehicular access, and vehicle turning areas, parking spaces and full visibility splays (which may affect adjoining land or properties
Floor Plans
Floor plans should be to a scale of 1:50 or 1:100.
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Each floor plan should establish the layout of any new or revised areas and show the relevant uses for example bedrooms, kitchens and lifts.
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The floor plan to show new revisions to an existing roof or to illustrate a complex roof will be required.
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In buildings where the public have access, including shops, work places and facilities for disabled people should be shown and described in the drawing.
Elevation/Section
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Elevations should be to a scale of 1:50 or 1:100 and include details of the type and colour of external materials
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Drawings showing elevations in the context of the street scene may be required to show the integration of the proposed design. This may also be achieved by three-dimensional drawings. These will be especially relevant in the conservation areas and near listed buildings.
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Sections through your site and adjoining areas with relevant elevations will be necessary in some circumstances. This may be where a proposal is close to the boundaries of the site or there is a significant slope.
It is possible to submit planning applications by post or electronically. For details see the planning application forms and fees page about how to apply for planning consent.
For more information, contact the Development Control Section.
21 August 2008
