Plans and drawings – site layout
Site layout plans – also known as a block plans – should provide more detailed information about the existing site and the proposed development in relation to neighbouring properties.
Layout plans both for the site as it exists now, and the site as it would be after the proposed development, are needed so a planning officer can evaluate the changes.
Existing and proposed site layout plans:
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are usually drawn to a scale not less than 1:500
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must have the scale bar printed clearly
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must have an arrow that points to the north
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are not usually rotated on the page – north is usually the top of the page
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should clearly indicate any easements, right of ways and covenant areas
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must show all buildings, roads and footpaths on land within or adjoining the site
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must show all boundary structures
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must show the extent and the type of any hard surfacing such as parking
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must show the position of all trees
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must have clear annotations to explain all features that are shown
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should show grade levels on both the existing and proposed layout plan, if the development would affect ground levels
Proposed changes may also be shown by overlaying the proposed development footprint on top of the existing site layout, or vice versa. This can help a planning officer or client to understand the changes more effectively than two separate drawings.
If there are topographic differences across the site, or if you plan to modify the site levels, you may have to overlay the proposed building outlines on a topographic survey.