Buy a Planning map online: what you need to know

Buying a planning map online is usually straightforward - but it helps to know what you need before you start. In most cases, if it’s for a planning application, then you’ll need a location plan, and a site plan or block plan as well. 

A location plan shows the site in its wider surroundings. This is the map that helps the planning authority identify exactly where the application site is. It’s usually based on up-to-date Ordnance Survey mapping and is commonly produced at a 1:1250 scale, or 1:2500 for larger sites.

A site plan or block plan is more detailed, showing boundaries, buildings, access and other features on the site itself, often at 1:500 or a similar scale.  

If you need a planning map as part of your property intelligence process, you should also make sure the plan:

• is based on current OS mapping

• Uses the right scale

• includes a North point

• Helps you show the application site clearly, usually with a red line boundary

• Is suitable for printing or submitting electronically. 

This is where using a specialist service can make life easier. With MapShop, you can go to the online planning maps service, search by postcode or title number, choose the right type of plan, edit it online, and receive it quickly once you have checked out. We offer standard options including an A4 Location Plan at 1:1250 and an A4 Site / Block Plan at 1:500, with tools that will help you personalise the map – and, crucially, mark it up with all the information needed by the planning authority.

It’s also worth knowing that buying the map is only part of the process. You still need to make sure the boundary is drawn correctly and that the plan matches the requirements of your local authority. In most cases, that means the application site should be edged in red, with any other nearby land in your ownership edged in blue - we have more guidance on red and blue lines here. 

In short, buying a planning map online is less about finding any map and more about getting the right planning map for the application. If you know which plan you need, and you use a service built for planning workflows, the whole process becomes much simpler. And if you are unsure where to start, MapShop can help you get the right OS-based plan quickly, in the right format, and ready to use. 

How Emapsite can help

If you can't find exactly what you need, we can also help you choose the right mapping data solution for your project via email, chat or over the phone.

For more information, reach out to our Customer Support team.

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