Scan to BIM for Planning Permission: UK Guide
Scan-to-BIM is not generally mandatory for UK planning permission, but it is increasingly used for complex projects — especially listed buildings, major refurbishments, and heritage sites — where accurate as-built data is critical for LPA approval.
Key Facts for Planning Applications
| Aspect | Details | | --- | --- | | LPA BIM Requirement | No national mandate requiring BIM for planning. Most LPAs only require 2D plans (location plan 1:1250, site plan 1:500) | | When BIM and Scan-to-BIM Help | Listed building consent, complex refurbishments, heritage sites, projects with intricate existing conditions | | Typical LOD for Planning | LOD 200–300 (architectural geometry); LOD 350 for MEP coordination in complex retrofits | | Deliverables LPAs Accept | 2D CAD plans, PDFs, IFC models, Revit models, point cloud files, 3D visualisations |
When to Use Scan-to-BIM for Planning
- Listed buildings and heritage sites — enables accurate documentation of ornate details; 100% consent granted on first submission in documented case studies
- Complex refurbishments — identifies clashes before construction, saving £5–£20 in rework per £1 spent
- MEP-heavy projects — LOD 350 models prevent clashes between new designs and existing services
- Accurate as-builts needed — when existing conditions are unknown or traditional surveys are insufficient
2025 UK Costs
| Service | Cost (ex VAT) | Best For | | --- | --- | --- | | 3D laser scanning only | £800–£2,500 (residential); £3,000–£10,000 (medium commercial); £10,000–£50,000+ (large/complex) | Point cloud for your team | | Measured building survey | £450–£850 (<2,000 sq ft); £850–£1,800 (2,000–10,000 sq ft) | Simple 2D CAD drawings | | Scan-to-BIM modelling | LOD 200: ~£4/m²; LOD 300: ~£15/m²; LOD 350: ~£30/m² | Full Revit or IFC BIM model | | Per sq ft UK | £3–£8/sq ft depending on LOD | Point cloud to Revit conversion |
Typical residential example: 3-bed house Scan-to-BIM (LOD 300): ~£2,000–£4,000 (1 day on-site plus 3 days processing).
LPA Submission Checklist
- [ ] Location plan (1:1250) and site plan (1:500)
- [ ] Floor plans, elevations, sections (from BIM model)
- [ ] PDF drawings suitable for scanning
- [ ] Optional: 3D visualisations, point cloud reference, IFC or Revit model
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Scan-to-BIM mandatory for planning applications?
No — there is no national mandate. Most LPAs accept 2D CAD plans and PDFs. Scan-to-BIM is increasingly recommended for listed buildings and complex refurbishments.
Q: What LOD do I need for planning?
LOD 200–300 for most planning applications. LOD 350 for MEP-heavy retrofits and heritage projects.
Q: What deliverables does the LPA accept?
2D CAD plans, PDFs, IFC models, Revit models, point cloud files, and 3D visualisations. Confirm requirements with your LPA.
Q: Is Scan-to-BIM worth the cost for planning?
For listed buildings and complex refurbishments, yes — 100% first-time consent in documented case studies. For simple residential extensions, traditional measured survey is more cost-effective.