Depending on the nature of your proposed development, you will need to send different types of scale drawings and plans with your planning application.
The information below provides details of common residential and business projects. It outlines the different types of scale drawings and plans that you will need to send with related planning applications.
What scale drawings and plans do I need to send with my application?
- Advertisements and signs
- Change of use (with no external alterations)
- Basement alterations, extensions or excavations
- Conservatories and rear extensions
- Forecourt parking
- Plant, ventilation, extraction or air conditioning equipment
- Roof extensions and terraces
- Shop front alterations
Advertisements and signs
Where your proposed development involves putting up an advertisement or sign, you will need to send with your application elevations, plans and sections that show the following information:
- whether the advertisement or sign will be internally or external lit
- the type of light that will be used
- for example, spot lights, trough lights, halo illumination (that is, is where the light is reflected onto the fascia so that the letters are presented in silhouette)
- the method, type and colour of illumination that will be used
- existing and proposed sections through any fascia or projecting sign must show the illumination at a scale of 1:20.
- the size of the proposed light fittings
- the distance from the edge of the sign to the kerb edge (for projecting signs only)
For further advice, please read our Camden Planning Guidance (Advertisements and signs) (PDF).
Change of use (with no external alterations)
Where your proposed development involves changing the use of a property (and there will be no external alterations), you will need to send with your application existing and proposed floor plans (at a scale of 1:100) showing the layout and extent of use.
All floor plans should provide confirmation that no external alterations are required and use colour and annotations to help improve clarity (This is particularly important where the proposed development comprises a number of different uses).
Basement alterations, extensions or excavations
Where your proposed development involves altering, extending or excavating a basement, you will need to send with your application existing and proposed sections displaying any light wells and window dimensions.
Where the proposed development will extend to the front and/or rear of the property, all sections should display the distance between the basement and any boundaries.
For further advice, please read our Camden Planning Guidance (Residential development standards - Basements).
Conservatories and rear extensions
Where your proposed development involves adding a conservatory or rear extension, you will need to send with your application elevations, plans and sections that show any boundary walls with adjoining properties and, where relevant, the relative levels of any adjoining properties.
Where the proposed development will project above a boundary wall, an elevation from the perspective of neighbouring properties should also be provided.
For further advice, please read our Camden Planning Guidance (Extensions, alterations and conservatories).
Forecourt parking
Where your proposed development involves providing forecourt parking, you will need to send with your application the following drawings and plans:
- existing and proposed layout plans showing:
- areas of hard and soft landscaping
- the location and type of any boundary treatment
- for example, gates, walls, fences, railings
- the location, type and spread of any trees on the development site and pavements
- existing and proposed changes of levels in the land
- existing and proposed elevations of the front boundary to the property showing:
- the context with immediately neighbouring properties
- the location, height and materials of any boundary treatment
Plant, ventilation, extraction or air conditioning equipment
Where your proposed development involves the installation of plant, ventilation, extraction or air conditioning equipment, you will need to send with your application elevations, plans and sections showing any equipment, ducting, acoustic enclosures or screening.
The location of any neighbouring windows should also be displayed on these drawings and be cross referenced in your noise, vibration and ventilation statement.
For further advice, please read our Camden Planning Guidance (Plant, machinery and ducting design and siting).
Roof extensions and terraces
Where your proposed development involves adding a roof extension or terrace, you will need to send with your application the following drawings and plans:
- existing and proposed elevations of the whole property (not just the roof and upper floors)
- existing and proposed sections showing where the proposed works will take place
- existing and proposed sections showing the relationship of any window frames to the reveal
- only required where the proposed development involves installing dormer windows
- existing and proposed internal floor plans showing where the proposed works will take place
Where your proposed development involves adding a roof terrace, all elevations and floor plans must show the following information:
- the nearest windows on immediately adjoining properties
- details of the means of enclosing the roof terrace (including any privacy screens) and proposed materials and measurements should also be provided
For further advice, please read our Camden Planning Guidance (Roofs and terraces).
Shop front alterations
Where your proposed development involves the alteration of a shop front, you will need to send with your application the following drawings and plans:
- existing and proposed sections through the shop front
- sections of security grilles or shutters (where proposed), indicating the location of the shutter box and canopy
- ground floor plans showing separate access to upper floors
- only required where the proposed development will affect access to the upper floors in any way
Where the proposed development will involve the installation of an Automated Teller Machine (ATMs), all drawings and plans should display the ATMs intended height and details of any related illuminated advertisements.
For further advice, please read our Camden Planning Guidance (Shop fronts).
How do I submit scale drawings and plans?
If you apply for planning permission online using the Planning Portal, you will be given the opportunity to upload your scale drawings and plans. This is after you have completed the relevant application forms.
Before uploading any files, please read our guidance notes for submitting electronic files with planning applications (PDF).
If you choose to submit a paper-based application instead, you will need to provide:
- four copies of your scaled drawings and plans
- four copies of the relevant application forms.
Where can I find out further information?
For further information on preparing and submitting scale drawings and plans, please contact planning advice and information