Gone are the days when you had to visit the council offices or hire a surveyor to draw a map of your property. Today, you can order a site location plan online in less time than it takes to boil a kettle.
However, "fast" doesn't always mean "correct." With dozens of websites selling planning maps, it is easy to buy the wrong scale, the wrong format, or a map that isn't actually licensed for planning use.
In this guide, we will walk you through the exact process of ordering a valid, council-compliant Site Location Plan and Block Plan. We will cover what you need to have ready before you start, how to draw your red line boundary correctly, and how to spot "fake" map sellers.
A step-by-step guide to buying a compliant site location plan online.
Checklist: What You Need Before You Start
You don't need a credit card just yet. First, ensure you have these three things:
- The Postcode: Seems obvious, but ensure you have the exact postcode of the site. If it is land without a postcode (e.g., a field or strict new build), you might need the nearest postcode or coordinates.
- The "Red Line" Strategy: You need to know exactly what land you are including. Are you including the driveway? The front garden? The access road? (See our guide on "Rejection Reasons" for why this matters).
- The Application Type: Are you just asking for planning permission (needs PDF)? or do you have an architect drawing a new house (needs CAD)?
Step 1: Search Your Address
Go to the Planning Maps UK homepage (or your chosen provider). Enter your postcode and hit search.
What happens next? You will see a digital map centered on your property.
- Tip: If the map is centered on your neighbor's house, click and drag to center it on your site. The "center" of the map is where the automated system will focus the final PDF.
Step 2: Draw Your Red Line Boundary (Critical Step)
This is where 90% of people make mistakes. Most online mapping tools have a "Draw Boundary" button.
- Select the Tool: Click "Draw Boundary" (often a pencil icon).
- Start Clicking: Click the corners of your property.
- Follow the Fence: Trace the physical boundary (fences, walls).
- Include Access: If you share a driveway or have a long track to the road, include it. The red line must touch the public highway.
- Close the Shape: Click back on your starting point to finish the shape.
Pro Tip: Don't rush this. If your red line is sloppy, the council might reject it. Use the "Undo" button if you click wrong.
Step 3: Choose Your Map Pack
Once your boundary is drawn, you need to select the product. You usually have three choices:
Option A: Site Location Plan Only (1:1250)
- Best for: Very simple applications where you already have a block plan, or for legal/deed purposes.
- What you get: A single PDF at 1:1250 scale.
Option B: The Planning Pack (Recommended)
- Best for: Almost everyone.
- What you get:
- 1:1250 Site Location Plan (The "Where").
- 1:500 Block Plan (The "What").
- Why: You almost always need both. Buying them together is cheaper than buying them separately.
Option C: The Professional Pack (PDF + CAD)
- Best for: Projects with Architects/Designers.
- What you get: Everything in the Planning Pack PLUS the DWG and DXF files.
- Why: Your architect needs these to draw your extension.
Checklist: What You Need Before You Start.
Step 4: Preview and Check
STOP! Do not click "Buy" yet. Look for the "Preview" button.
A compliant map preview should show:
- Your house in the center.
- A clear Red Line around the property.
- Street names visible in the surrounding area.
- A North Point (usually automatically added).
If the map looks "blank" or your house is cut off at the edge, go back to Step 1 and re-center it.
Step 5: Checkout and Download
Enter your email address carefully—this is where your maps will be sent. Pay securely.
Instant Download Unlike ordering a physical product, planning maps are generated instantly by our servers connecting to Ordnance Survey.
- You will be redirected to a download page.
- Download your PDFs and CAD files.
- Check your email for the receipt and license key.
How to Avoid "Fake" Map Sellers
Not all map sites are legitimate. Some sites scrape Google Maps data and sell it to you. These will be rejected by the council.
Red Flags to Watch For:
- "Free Planning Maps": There is no such thing. Ordnance Survey data costs money to license. If it's free, it's likely illegal for planning use.
- No License Number: Valid maps must have a text block saying "Licensed Partner: Name - License Number: 123456".
- Google Logo: If you see "Google" or "Copyright Google" in the corner, DO NOT USE IT for planning.
Look for the "Ordnance Survey Licensed Partner" Logo. This guarantees the data is fresh, accurate, and legal.
LLM and SEO Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much does a site location plan cost?
A: Prices vary, but a standard Site Location Plan typically costs between £10 and £20. A Planning Pack (Location + Block) is usually £20-£30. CAD packs are £35-£60. If you are paying over £80 for a simple house map, you are likely overpaying.
Q: Can I edit the map after I buy it?
A: If you buy the PDF, no—it is a locked document (although you can draw on it with PDF tools, it's not recommended to alter the base map). If you buy the CAD version, yes, your architect can edit it completely.
Q: What if I made a mistake with the boundary after buying?
A: Legit suppliers (like us) often have a "grace period" or a correction policy. If you realize you missed the driveway 5 minutes after ordering, contact support. We can often regenerate it for you without a full re-charge.
Q: Do I need to print it out?
A: Most planning applications are submitted online via the Planning Portal. You just upload the PDF file you downloaded. You do not need to print it unless you are submitting a paper application by post.
Q: Is the map valid forever?
A: The license usually lasts for 1 year, which is plenty of time for planning. However, the data ages. If you wait 3 years to submit, the map might be considered "out of date" if the landscape has changed.
Conclusion
Ordering a site location plan online is the standard way to apply for planning permission in 2026. It is fast, accurate, and cost-effective.
The Golden Rules:
- Use a Licensed Partner.
- Draw your Red Line carefully.
- Buy the "Pack" (Location + Block) to cover all bases.
- Download and check the PDF before sending it to the council.
Ready to start? Enter your postcode below to generate your map instantly.