ARCHITECTS FROM LONDON Planning Drawings
Planning Drawings for Residential Projects
↓
RIBA Chartered
Award winning
London · Vienna · Rome
Featured in The Times
Panel at Grand Designs Live
planning drawings intro
Planning Drawings for Residential Projects
Planning drawings explain your proposed project clearly to the local planning authority.
They show what exists, what you want to change and how the development will affect the property and its surroundings.
Tholos prepares planning drawings for extensions, loft conversions, renovations and other residential projects, helping present the proposal accurately and give the planning application the best possible foundation.
planning drawings explained
What Are Planning Drawings?
Planning drawings are architectural drawings prepared specifically for the planning process.
Their purpose is to communicate the proposal clearly enough for the local authority to assess matters such as:
- size
- scale
- appearance
- position
- relationship with neighbouring properties
- impact on the surrounding area
- changes to the existing building
They are different from technical construction drawings because they focus on the planning assessment rather than explaining every construction detail.
planning drawings
What Drawings Are Usually Needed for Planning?
The exact requirements depend on the project, but a planning drawing package may include:
- existing floor plans
- proposed floor plans
- existing elevations
- proposed elevations
- roof plans
- sections
- site plans
- location plans
- block plans
- other supporting drawings where required
The local authority may also ask for additional information depending on the type of application.
Existing and Proposed Planning Drawings
Most planning applications need to show both the current property and the proposed changes.
Existing drawings show the building before work begins.
Proposed drawings show the intended design.
Together, they help the planning officer understand:
- what is being retained
- what is being altered
- what is being added
- how the building will change externally
- how the scale of the development compares with the existing property
The local authority may also ask for additional information depending on the type of application.
planning drawings
Planning Drawings for Extensions
Extension applications usually need drawings showing the relationship between the existing house and the proposed addition.
This may include:
- new floor plans
- external elevations
- roof form
- height
- depth
- width
- doors and windows
- relationship with neighbouring properties
- position within the plot
Clear drawings help the planning authority assess whether the extension is acceptable in design and planning terms.
planning drawings
Planning Drawings for Loft Conversions
Some loft conversions require planning permission, while others may fall under permitted development rights.
Where planning permission is required, the drawings usually need to show:
- dormers
- rooflights
- roof alterations
- changes to elevations
- ridge and eaves relationships
- the appearance of the altered roof
Sections may also be useful where the design is difficult to understand from elevations alone.
Planning Drawings for Renovations
Many internal renovations do not require planning permission.
However, planning drawings may still be needed where the renovation includes:
- external changes
- extensions
- roof alterations
- new windows
- significant changes to appearance
- work affecting a listed building
- work in a conservation area
The planning drawings should focus on the parts of the project that are relevant to the application.
planning drawings
Planning Drawings and Permitted Development
Not every project needs a full planning application.
Some work may qualify as permitted development.
Even in those cases, drawings can still be useful to demonstrate that the proposal falls within the relevant limits.
They may also be required if you apply for a Lawful Development Certificate.
- external changes
- extensions
- roof alterations
- new windows
- significant changes to appearance
- work affecting a listed building
- work in a conservation area
The planning drawings should focus on the parts of the project that are relevant to the application.
planning drawings
Planning Drawings and Permitted Development
Not every project needs a full planning application.
Some work may qualify as permitted development.
Even in those cases, drawings can still be useful to demonstrate that the proposal falls within the relevant limits.
They may also be required if you apply for a Lawful Development Certificate.
Planning Drawings for Prior Approval
Certain forms of permitted development require a prior approval process.
The local authority may need to assess specific matters before the work can proceed.
Depending on the proposal, the drawings may need to show:
- dimensions
- layout
- elevations
- relationship with neighbouring properties
- site information
The application requirements vary depending on the type of prior approval.
planning drawings
Planning Drawings for Conservation Areas
Properties in conservation areas can require more careful consideration because the local authority may assess how the proposal affects the character or appearance of the area.
Planning drawings may need to communicate:
- materials
- proportions
- roof form
- windows and doors
- external detailing
- relationship with the existing building
In some cases, permitted development rights may also be more limited.
Planning Drawings for Listed Buildings
Where a listed building is involved, the drawing package may need to explain proposed changes in more detail.
This can include both internal and external alterations.
The drawings may need to show:
- existing historic features
- elements to be removed
- new interventions
- alterations to openings
- changes to materials
- internal layout changes
Listed Building Consent is separate from normal planning permission and may be required even where the work appears relatively minor.
planning drawings
Site Plans and Location Plans
Planning applications normally need to identify exactly where the property is located.
A location plan shows the site in its wider context.
A site or block plan shows the property in more detail, including its relationship with boundaries, neighbouring buildings and other relevant features.
These drawings help the local authority understand where the proposed development sits within the site.
Planning Elevations
Elevations show the external faces of the building.
They are particularly important where the proposal changes the appearance of the property.
Planning elevations may show:
- windows
- doors
- roof forms
- materials
- extensions
- dormers
- external levels
- overall proportions
Existing and proposed elevations allow the planning authority to compare the appearance before and after the work.
Planning Sections
Sections show a vertical cut through the building or site.
They can be useful where the proposal involves:
- changes in level
- roof alterations
- loft conversions
- complex extensions
- sloping sites
- differences in building height
They help explain relationships that may not be obvious from floor plans and elevations alone.
planning drawings
Do Planning Drawings Need Construction Details?
Usually not to the same level as Building Regulations or construction drawings.
Planning officers are primarily assessing the design and planning impact.
They do not normally need detailed wall build-ups, insulation specifications or full structural details.
However, enough information should still be provided for the proposal to be understood accurately.
Planning Drawings vs Building Regulations Drawings
Planning drawings and Building Regulations drawings serve different purposes.
Planning drawings focus on:
- design
- appearance
- scale
- impact
- relationship with surroundings
Building Regulations drawings focus on:
- structure
- fire safety
- insulation
- ventilation
- drainage
- technical compliance
A project may therefore require both sets of information.
Planning Drawings vs Construction Drawings
Planning drawings are not usually sufficient for construction.
They may show the overall design clearly, but they often do not contain the level of technical detail needed by builders.
Construction drawings may need to show:
- build-ups
- junctions
- details
- structural coordination
- materials
- dimensions
- technical notes
Planning Application
Can You Use Existing Drawings for a Planning Application?
Sometimes.
If you already have accurate drawings of the property, they may be suitable as a starting point.
However, they should reflect the current building and contain the information required for the specific application.
Old estate agent plans or historic drawings may not be accurate enough.
What If the Planning Drawings Change During Design?
That is normal.
The design may evolve before the planning application is submitted.
Changes can be made as the proposal develops, provided the final drawings accurately represent the scheme being submitted.
The aim is to resolve the main design decisions before the application goes in.
Planning Drawings and Pre-Application Advice
For more complex or sensitive projects, it may be useful to obtain pre-application advice from the local planning authority.
Planning drawings can help explain the proposal clearly enough for the authority to provide useful feedback.
This can sometimes identify potential planning concerns before a full application is submitted.
From Planning Drawings to Planning Application
Once the drawings are complete, they can form part of the wider planning submission.
The application may also require:
- forms
- ownership certificates
- design statements
- planning statements
- supporting reports
- application fees
The exact requirements depend on the project.
Planning Application
Already Have Planning Drawings?
If another architect or designer has already prepared drawings, Tholos can review them before the application is submitted or before the project moves to the next stage.
We can help identify whether the drawing package is complete and whether additional information may be required.
Need Planning Drawings for Your Project?
Tell us what you are proposing and what stage you have reached.
We can help prepare the drawings needed for the planning process and guide the project towards the appropriate application route.
Client experience
"
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. We had a vision for our home but no idea how to realise it. Tholos Interiors took complete ownership of the project — every detail was considered, every decision explained. The result exceeded everything we had imagined.
– Lawrence Ipsum, Homeowner · London –
Frequently Asked Questions
Are planning drawings the same as architectural drawings?
Planning drawings are a type of architectural drawing prepared specifically for the planning process.
Are planning drawings enough for Building Regulations?
Usually not. Building Regulations drawings require more technical information relating to construction and compliance.
Can builders work from planning drawings?
They may be enough for an early estimate, but they often do not contain sufficient detail for accurate pricing or construction.
Do permitted development projects need planning drawings?
Drawings may still be needed to demonstrate compliance with permitted development rules or to support a Lawful Development Certificate application.
Can Tholos prepare planning drawings from existing plans?
Yes. Existing drawings can be reviewed and used where suitable, although measurements may need to be checked first.
Disclaimer
This article is part of a series created by our dynamic marketing team for informational purposes only. While we strive to review all content thoroughly, occasional oversights may occur, even after publication. Therefore, we cannot accept liability for any interpretations or use of the information provided. For the most up-to-date information or to report any discrepancies, please contact us at hello@tholos-architects.com.
Start your project