Every application will need to include scaled drawings that clearly show the property or site you are hoping to develop and the work you are proposing to do.

Not only will plans be used to help the case officer assess your application, they will also be used when we consult neighbours, the local community (including Parish Councils) and other relevant consultees - for example, Environment Agency, Natural England - or interested groups.

Note: Your application may be returned to you if the requested plans are not enclosed or drawn correctly.

The council's Adopted local lists and national requirements [PDF] (136k) set out the requirements in terms of the documents and drawings for different types of applications.  

The following plans are typically required for most types of applications (Note: non-householder applications may require additional drawings to those listed below):

Site location plan
An up to date site location plan (ordnance survey based) at a scale of 1:1250 or 1:2500.  If the site is too large for these scales, 1:5,000 or 1:10,000 will be acceptable.  The plan must show:

• the property, adjoining properties and wherever possible at least two named roads.  The properties shown should be numbered or named to ensure that the exact location of the application site is clear,
• a north arrow,
• the application site edged clearly with a continuous red line.  A blue line should be drawn around any other land owned by the applicant, close to or adjoining the application site,
• all land necessary to carry out the proposed development, for example:
  
  • land required for access to the site from a public highway,
  • visibility splays,
  • landscaping,
  • car parking,
  • open areas around buildings. 

Site layout/block plan
These are drawings showing a bird's eye view of the development on the site in relation to the adjacent buildings.  They should be drawn to a metric scale of 
1:200 or 1:500 and include the following:

• a north arrow,
• the proposed development hatched or clearly marked,
• any other existing buildings on the site,
• the position of all trees on the site and those on adjacent land which could influence or be affected by the development,
• the extent or type of any hard surfacing,
• site boundaries,
• boundary treatments including walls or fencing where this is proposed,
• all the buildings, roads and footpaths on land adjoining the site including access arrangements,
• all public rights of way crossing or adjoining the site (footpath, bridleway, restricted byway or byway open to all traffic).

Elevations
These are drawings showing the outside of the building.  They should be drawn to a metric scale of 1:50 or 1:100 You will need to submit:

• separate drawings showing the existing and proposed elevations,
• elevations from all sides (front, rear and side views) affected by the development,
• these drawings need to show what materials will be used.  

Floor plans
These are drawings showing the layout of the whole building.  They should be drawn to a metric scale of 1:50 or 1:100.  You will need to submit:

• separate drawings showing the existing and proposed floor plans (all floors affected by the development), these should show all doors, windows, thickness of walls and types of materials,
• dimensions of the proposed development/extension should be given including the distance to boundaries.

Note: If the property is located in a rural area, floor plans of all levels of the  property are required even if you are proposing changes to only one floor.

Roof plans
These are drawings showing the shape of the roof looking down from a bird's eye view.  Separate existing and proposed drawings are required to a metric scale of 1:50 or 1:100.

Cross sections
These are drawings showing a slice through the inside of a building at a particular point.  They are required if your proposal includes a dormer window or roof light to help determine the impact on neighbouring properties.  They should be drawn to a metric scale of 1:50 or 1:100 and include dimensioned internal floor to ceiling heights.

Site sections
These drawings are required in all cases where a proposal involves a change in ground levels.  Drawings should be submitted to show existing and finished levels, including contours, spot heights or long sections as appropriate.  They should be drawn to a metric scale of 1:50 or 1:100. 

The levels may be evident from floor plans and elevations, but particularly in the case of sloping sites it will be necessary to show how proposals relate to existing ground levels or where ground levels outside the extension will be modified.

Note: All drawings should include a scale bar and the paper size.  This is necessary to check for accuracy and as drawings are scanned and available electronically on the website.  

Standards for online applications

• Drawings should be submitted in a single layer PDF format with correct scale and paper size stated,
• Other documentation should also be in PDF format,
• Each file submitted should be no larger than 5mb,
• Additional material for major applications should be submitted to us on CD/DVD  

How to get help with your drawings
Most applicants employ an architect, building surveyor or planning agent to prepare the plans for them.  Details can be found in local directories.  They have experience in this field and can help to ensure that the relevant documents and accurate plans are submitted. 

If you have any questions about plans, please contact our planning technicians.

Please also refer to What documents do I need to submit?

Planning Services
Guildford Borough council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 4BP

Tel: 01483 444609
Email: planningenquiries@guildford.gov.uk