Our Block Plans...

..use accurate OS Mapping

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Block Plans from £8.99 ex. VAT

in 1:200, 1:500 scale & more

Create your plan...

  • Uses highly detailed Ordnance Survey mapping
  • 100% moneyback guarantee if rejected
  • Preview and downloadable in 1 minute
  • Buy with a location plan and save 10%
  • Plans can be marked up with a red and blue lines

OUR PLANS ARE

Guaranteed compliant maps:

all our planning maps are guaranteed to be compliant with all council planning requirements.

High quality, constantly updated mapping:

our planning maps use the most detailed and up to date Ordnance Survey available (see our samples here).

Free planning guide:

read our planning application map guide to ensure your application goes smoothly.

All the major scales:

our block plans come in all the popular scales including 1:200 and 1:500 scales.

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

How to order a block plan in 5 steps

  1. First step is to search for you property. You can do this by using a postcode or grid reference or even latitude / longitude.
  2. Next you should see a preview map of your plan with your property near the middle. If it’s not you can drag the map so it is centred.
  3. The next stage is to change the scale for a block plan, which is either 1:200 or 1:500, the latter giving a bit more ground coverage. You can do this by using the menu on the right side.
  4. Lastly, if you need to add any red lines around your property you can do so using the tools on the site. Select the red pen tool, then go to the map and click within the boundary of your property. You may need to click again to complete all parts of your property e.g. the garden.

What’s an example of a block plan? Here’s 4 samples.

  1. An example of a block plan where there's one owned property appearing on the plan and it's where planning consent is sought. This is the typical scenario and only a red line is required to be put around the boundary of the property.
  2. A sample of a block plan where there are two owned properties appearing on the plan, one where planning consent is sought. In this situation a red line should be added around the boundary of the property where planning consent is sought and a blue line around the other one.
  3. An example of location plans are available in two different scales, 1:1250 scale and 1:2500 scale. The latter would only be appropriate for very large properties.
  4. Examples of location plans in two typical formats, pdf which are typical for domestic planning applications and CAD formats which are typically used by professionals like architects.
example block plan

What’s the definition of a block plan?

Overview: a block plan is defined as a plan used for planning applications at a defined scale, which shows the property where permission is being sought, typically this is outlined in red.

  • Scales used: 1:500 or 1:200
  • Coverage: 36m x 36m or 90m x 90m
  • Paper sizes: typically A4 but A3 sometimes used for large areas
  • Formats: normally pdf but also available in CAD formats like dwg and dxf
  • Mapping used: normally Ordnance Survey Mastermap®
  • Suppliers: buyaplan.co.uk and other OS partners

What is a block plan?

A block plan shows the area of land that’s involved in a planning application, or in many other kinds of application process or legal procedure. It indicates the boundaries of the site and the features immediately adjacent to it, such as the road and nearby buildings.

Because a block plan is pretty much focused on the site, it may sometimes be called a site plan. However, that can be confusing, because any development that involves new construction will need the kind of site plan, prepared by the architect or surveyor, that shows only the site and includes lots of detail such as the location of the new building, the drainage tracks and so on. We think it’s more helpful to reserve the term ‘site plan’ for that sort of document.

The block plan isn’t intended to be used by planning officers (or others involved in the planning process) to find the site. For that, you’ll need a location plan – and if you order a block plan and a location plan from us, we’ll give you a 10% discount.

What scale are block plans?

The scale of a block plan will depend, in part, on the size of the site, bearing in mind that the plan should fit on an A4 page. For most developments, a 1:500 scale plan or 1:200 scale plan is normal. A very large site (for a new factory or warehouse, perhaps) might need a 1:2,500 scale plan.

For planning applications, the boundary of the site should be marked in red and any other land in the same ownership, but not involved in the application, should be outlined in blue.

When do I need a block plan?

You’ll need a block plan in many different application or legal processes. The commonest requirement is in connection with applications for planning permission or similar consents, for example Listed Building Consent or any kind of Prior Notification. But you would also need one in connection with the recording of title at the Land Registry. It may also be helpful in other situations, for example in making an application to lower the kerb to give access to your driveway.

What does a block plan look like?

A block plan at 1:500 or 1:200 will show all the detail that’s available on the Ordnance Survey digital database. As well as buildings, streets, walls, fences and pavements, it’ll include things like electricity or telephone poles, Ordnance Survey benchmarks and so on.

You can see examples of block plans at (and other kinds of plans you’ll probably need) on the Planning Portal website.

Can I get a block plan for the Land Registry?

We can provide a block plan at whatever scale is most appropriate for your land registration application. Scales of 1:500, 1:250 or 1:200 are normal; you might need 1:500 for a large site, whereas 1:200 would be fine for a small one. There’s useful, detailed guidance about land registry plans in England and Wales here; requirements in Scotland and Northern Ireland are broadly similar.

Are block plans free?

There is a charge. We have to pay the Ordnance Survey for the use of their data and they, in turn, have to carry out the work of keeping all the plans, covering the whole of the UK, up to date. That obviously costs money.

Where can I purchase a block plan?

Our block plan service allows you to select the location and scale of block plan that best meets your needs. Our data is the most up-to-date available from the Ordnance Survey. The plans we provide comply with all the legal requirements. Ordering what you need is quick and easy.

If you need more advice about plans, take a look at our comprehensive guide to planning maps, written by a former Planning Officer, to find out all you need to know.