What Is a Block Plan?
Updated: Jul 25
A block plan is a scaled drawing — usually prepared at a recognised metric scale — that shows the application site itself: the existing building, the plot boundaries, and how the proposed extension, conversion or new structure fits within them. It is one of the standard drawings required alongside a site location plan for most householder planning applications in Newcastle.
If you are preparing drawings for a house extension, loft conversion or garage conversion, this guide explains what a block plan shows, what scale it should be drawn at, and how it differs from a site location plan.
What is a block plan?
A block plan — sometimes called a site plan — shows the application site in detail: the footprint of the existing building, the boundaries of the plot, and the position of the proposed work within those boundaries.
Where a site location plan shows where a property sits within the wider area, a block plan zooms in on the plot itself — close enough to show dimensions, distances to boundaries, and how the proposal relates to the existing building.
What does a block plan show?
A block plan typically shows:
the existing building footprint, and any proposed extension or new structure
the boundaries of the application site (the plot or curtilage)
the position and use of any other buildings within the boundary — garages, sheds, outbuildings
access arrangements — driveway, parking and paths
trees on the site or on adjacent land that could be affected by the proposal
a north point and scale bar
key dimensions, including the distance from the proposed work to the nearest boundaries
hard surfacing, such as patios, driveways or paved areas, where relevant
boundary treatment, such as walls, fences or gates, where relevant
Item | What it means |
Building footprint | Existing and proposed structures, drawn to scale |
Boundary lines | The edges of the plot included in the application |
Other structures | Garages, sheds and outbuildings within the boundary |
Access and parking | Driveways, paths and parking arrangements |
Trees | Existing trees on site or nearby that may be affected |
North point and scale | Confirms orientation and the drawing scale used |
Key dimensions | Distances from the proposed work to the nearest boundaries |
The dimensions are particularly important. For a rear extension, the block plan is what shows how far the extension projects, how close it sits to each boundary, and whether it falls within permitted development limits or needs a full application.
What scale should a block plan be?
For Newcastle householder applications, existing and proposed site plans are normally drawn at a recognised metric scale, typically 1:100 or 1:200. This matches Newcastle City Council's validation guidance, which asks for existing and proposed site plans at an identified standard metric scale, usually 1:100 or 1:200.
For larger plots, or where a wider context needs to be shown, a block plan is sometimes prepared at 1:500 instead.
The important point is not just the scale itself, but whether the drawing is clear, accurate and suitable for validation. The plan should state the scale, show the direction of north, include clear dimensions where required, and be consistent with the site location plan and the rest of the drawing package.
A drawing without a recognised scale, clear dimensions or matching information can lead to validation queries before the application is assessed.
Is a block plan the same as a site location plan?
No. They are two different drawings, and a complete drawing package for a householder application in Newcastle will normally include both.
Site location plan | Block plan | |
Purpose | Shows where the property sits in the wider area | Shows what is being proposed on the plot itself |
Typical scale | 1:1250 or 1:2500 | 1:100 or 1:200 |
Shows | Surrounding streets and buildings, red line boundary | Building footprint, plot boundaries, proposed works, dimensions |
Used for | Identifying the application site | Assessing the proposal against the plot |
If you want a fuller explanation of the location plan and the red line boundary, see our guide to what a site location plan is.
When do you need a block plan?
A block plan is normally required for:
householder planning applications
loft conversion drawings (where the roofline or footprint changes)
full planning applications
Lawful Development Certificate applications
retrospective planning applications
Even for smaller projects, the council needs to see how the proposal sits on the plot — how close it is to boundaries, neighbouring buildings and existing trees — so a correctly drawn block plan is almost always part of the package.
Can you draw your own block plan?
Technically, yes — but accuracy is what makes a block plan useful, and that is where DIY versions tend to fall short.
A block plan drawn from memory, an old deeds plan, or a rough sketch can be out by enough to matter. Distances to boundaries are often what decides whether a project falls under permitted development or needs a full planning application — so if those dimensions are wrong, the whole assessment can be based on incorrect information.
A measured site survey avoids this. The plot, the existing building and any trees or outbuildings are measured on site, so the block plan reflects what is actually there rather than what an old plan says should be there.
What happens if the block plan is wrong or missing?
If the block plan is missing, unclear, or does not match the site location plan and other drawings, the council will usually flag this at validation — before the application is even assessed. The application can be returned for a corrected plan, which adds time before the planning clock starts.
If an inaccurate block plan is not caught at validation, it can cause problems later — for example, if the drawn distance to a boundary does not match what is actually on the ground, a planning officer assessing the application on that basis may reach the wrong conclusion about whether the proposal complies with policy.
Who prepares a block plan?
A block plan can be prepared by:
an architectural designer or draughtsperson, as part of a planning drawing package
a planning agent or consultant
the applicant, using measured drawings and licensed mapping data
For most homeowners in Newcastle, the block plan is prepared as part of the wider planning application drawings package — alongside the site location plan, existing and proposed floor plans, and elevations. This keeps every drawing consistent with the same measurements.
Set Square Drafting prepares measured block plans for residential planning projects across Newcastle and the North East as part of the standard drawing package.
Frequently asked questions
Is a block plan required for every planning application?
Not literally every application, but most residential planning applications need a site plan or block plan because the council has to understand how the proposed work relates to the plot, boundaries, access and nearby features.
For householder applications, full planning applications, Lawful Development Certificate applications and retrospective applications, a block plan is normally expected as part of the drawing package.
What scale should a block plan be drawn at?
For Newcastle householder applications, existing and proposed site plans are normally drawn at a recognised metric scale, commonly 1:100 or 1:200. For larger plots, or where a wider context is needed, 1:500 is sometimes used instead. The plan should clearly state the scale, include a scale bar, show a north point, and be clear enough for validation.
What's the difference between a block plan and a site location plan?
A site location plan shows where the property sits within the wider surrounding area, usually at 1:1250 or 1:2500. A block plan shows the application site itself in more detail — the building, boundaries, proposed works and key dimensions — usually at 1:100 or 1:200.
Can I use a screenshot from Google Maps for a block plan?
No. A Google Maps screenshot is not a properly measured planning drawing and should not be used as a formal block plan.
A planning block plan needs to be drawn to a recognised scale, show the proposal accurately in relation to the plot boundaries, and use suitable licensed mapping data where mapping is required. For planning applications, it is safer to use a properly prepared plan based on accurate measurements and licensed map data rather than a screenshot or old title plan.
How Set Square Drafting prepares block plans
Set Square Drafting produces measured block plans for householder planning applications across Newcastle upon Tyne and the wider North East.
Every block plan is based on a site survey — the plot, the existing building, boundaries and any relevant trees or outbuildings are measured directly, so the plan reflects the property as it actually is. The block plan is checked against the site location plan and the rest of the drawing package before the PDF pack is issued.
Need planning drawings for a Newcastle application?
If you are planning a house extension, loft conversion, garage conversion or other residential project in Newcastle or the North East, send your project details. We will review the brief and provide a fixed quote before any work begins.
Set Square Drafting — Newcastle planning drawings from £450, including a correctly prepared block plan ready for council submission.
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