Floor Plan Survey for Planning Permission: UK Guide
For planning permission in the UK, you need a measured building survey producing accurate, to-scale drawings. Here are the key deliverables and costs for 2025.
Required Deliverables for Planning Permission
| Drawing | Scale | Must Show | | --- | --- | --- | | Location plan | 1:1250 (urban) or 1:2500 (rural) | Site edged in red, two named roads, north point, OS copyright | | Block or site plan | 1:200 or 1:500 | Boundaries, access, parking, trees, hard surfacing | | Floor plans | 1:50 or 1:100 | Internal layout, wall thicknesses, doors, windows, structural openings, GIA | | Elevations (all four sides) | 1:50 or 1:100 | Existing and proposed appearance, labelled by compass direction | | Sections | 1:50 | Floor-to-ceiling heights, roof pitches, level changes | | Roof plan | 1:50 | Chimneys, parapets, dormers, ridges | | Proposed floor plans | 1:50 or 1:100 | Changes clearly shaded |
Formats: PDF plus AutoCAD DWG. No "do not scale" markings accepted.
2025 UK Costs
| Property Type | Cost (ex VAT) | | --- | --- | | 1–2 bed flat | £350–£450 | | 3–4 bed house | £500–£750 | | Small office or retail (<100m²) | £450–£650 | | Medium office or warehouse (100–300m²) | £650–£1,200 | | Large commercial (>500m²) | £1,200+ | | Average house survey | ~£1,400 (higher in London |
Planning Submission Checklist
- [ ] Location plan (1:1250 or 1:2500)
- [ ] Block plan (1:200 or 1:500)
- [ ] Floor plans (1:50 or 1:100)
- [ ] All four elevations labelled north/south/east/west
- [ ] Sections through key areas
- [ ] Proposed drawings with changes clearly marked
- [ ] RICS-compliant survey (Measured Surveys of Land, Buildings and Utilities 3rd edition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is a measured survey mandatory for planning?
Yes — LPAs require accurate existing drawings. RICS-compliant measured surveys are preferred. Estate agent drawings are not accepted.
Q: What scales are accepted?
1:50 or 1:100 for floor plans and elevations. Confirm with your LPA before commissioning.
Q: How long does a planning survey take?
1 day on-site; 1–5 working days for drawings.