Block, Site & Location Plans Explained
Benefits of Block, Site & Location Plans
Block, site, and location plans are essential for various stages of property development and construction.
- Planning Applications: Required by local authorities to approve construction plans.
- Feasibility Studies: Helps to assess the viability of a development project. Can be used when considering factors like access and surrounding infrastructure.
- Project Design: Provides architects, engineers and professionals with detailed site information, ensuring accurate design and construction.
- Boundary Clarity: Clearly defines property boundaries, which is vital in the UK where property disputes can arise over unclear land ownership.
- Budget Estimation: Detailed site plans help estimate development costs, particularly when proposing new structures or alterations.
Understanding Different Land & Property Plans
Block Plans
A block plan shows the general location of a property or development site within a wider area. This plan is typically used to show nearby roads, landmarks, and surrounding properties. Block plans are drawn to a smaller scale (usually 1:1250 or 1:2500) and are often required for planning applications and feasibility studies.
Key Features:
- Provides an overview of the site within its broader context.
- Shows nearby infrastructure, such as roads and neighbouring properties.
- Commonly used in the early stages of property development for planning applications.
Site Plans
A site plan offers a detailed view of a specific plot of land. This plan includes existing buildings, boundaries, and proposed developments. Typically drawn at a larger scale (1:100, 1:200, or 1:500), a site plan is essential for project design and development, including building layout and landscaping.
Key Features:
- Shows property boundaries and site dimensions.
- Includes existing structures, natural features (trees, rivers), and proposed developments.
- Used for building permit applications, design layouts, and construction planning.
Location Plans
A location plan is similar to a block plan but covers a larger geographical area. It shows the site within its surroundings. Location plans are often required alongside a site plan for planning applications. This plan helps to highlight how the development fits within the local landscape and infrastructure.
Key Features:
- Shows the development site within a larger area.
- Often required for planning applications to show the site in relation to nearby towns, roads, and landmarks.
- Drawn to scales like 1:1000 or 1:5000, depending on the level of detail needed.
When Can You Need Them?
Buying Property or Land: A block or location plan is often needed during the purchasing process.
Planning Extensions or Renovations: When extending or altering a property, a site plan is necessary to show existing and proposed changes.
Building New Structures: Site plans are required when applying for building permits for new constructions.
Dividing Property or Land: A site plan is essential if you’re subdividing land for development.
What Happens If You Don’t Have These Plans?
It’s common for someone to start a project without understanding what plans they need. Often, they only discover later that they are asked for them and this can cause significant delays
Planning Permission Issues
You may start a project without realising that local authorities require a block or site plan. This often comes up during council reviews, and until the plans are submitted, your planning application will be put on hold.
Construction Compliance
A project might progress through the early stages, only for a site or location plan to be requested by architects or contractors. Without these plans, the project may stall, putting future work at risk of non-compliance.
Property Boundaries and Disputes
Without a properly established site plan, boundary disputes with neighbours or local authorities can arise, pausing the project until these issues are resolved.
Retrospective Planning Applications
Sometimes, people proceed with construction work without obtaining planning permission, assuming it’s not required. If flagged later, they may need to submit block or site plans retroactively, delaying the project further.
Impact of Delays
Without the correct plans in place early on, your project could experience significant delays and increased costs. Pausing a project to obtain these plans disrupts schedules, affects budgets, and can require adjustments to designs, pushing completion dates further back. Proper planning and early consultation with a land surveyor can help avoid these setbacks.
What to Expect from a Land Surveyor
A professional land surveyor can offer a smooth process for obtaining block, site, or location plans.
- Initial Consultation: We’ll discuss your project needs, confirm site details and review your specific requirements so we can understand exactly what you need.
- Site Visit: Our team will visit your property or project site to carry out your measured survey.
- Data Processing: We use specialised software to process the survey data and create accurate block, site, or location plans.
- Delivery of Plans: We’ll share the plans with you, usually within a few days. Plans are provided in industry-standard digital format (e.g. PDF), with additional hard copies available on request.
Do you need a measured building or land plan?
These plans provide essential information for planning permission applications, architect designs or landscaping layouts, and property boundaries. Whether you’re developing a new site or planning an extension, we can provide the expertise you need to get it right the first time.
