Real Estate Planning Maps: Frequently Asked Questions

Commercial real estate development starts with site selection, which is followed by an in-depth analysis of the feasibility of the project, preliminary financing in place using a managing director such as Lincoln Frost for assistance, and then submission of a planning application to the relevant local authority office. Property planning maps are an essential component of the applications submitted to local authorities to gain approval for building a new structure or renovating an existing one.

If you’re new to the concept of planning maps, here are some questions and answers that will give you a quick and concise insight into the process.

Why do I need a planning application map for my real estate development proposal?

Supporting your proposal with high-quality maps prepared by mapping experts is an essential aspect of the application process. A map not only shows the exact location of the site in question, it also details the essential features of the site and its neighboring areas. This helps the local authority determine the impact of your proposed construction on the site, on the surrounding elements and on the residents occupying the surroundings. Planning maps also show environmental elements and help determine if it’s environmentally safe to construct a permanent structure at the site.

All property development applications need to be supported with a precise and accurate location plan to be considered for further processing. In some cases, applicants are required to submit a block plan as well.

Why do I need to outsource mapping services?

Planning maps need to be highly accurate and must convey all vital information that offers the processing officers a detailed view of the location, including all natural and human-made elements on and around the site.

By supplying professionally prepared location maps with your application, you can expedite the decision-making process on part of the reviewing officer so that you may begin work on the project at the earliest. Additionally, your proposal has a higher chance of getting approved when the planning officers see that you have provided high-quality maps to support your proposal.

Keen to learn more about how to source the best property development planning application maps? Here’s a great site for finding info on planning matters that will help ensure your proposal isn’t held up or rejected owing to inaccurate, incorrect or dated location maps.

How should I choose my planning maps supplier?

Using the right location maps saves developers and architects both time and money, as property plan application and approval is a lengthy process. Creating maps to go with your planning application is a specialty task and is best left to professionals. By outsourcing map production to local experts, you can focus on other important aspects of the application process in order to minimize the chances of rejection due to faulty information or incomplete documentation.

The key aspects to consider when employing a mapping company is their expertise, experience in map production, the quality of maps and the delivery formats in which they offer the required maps. Additionally, it is important that the maps are detailed and carry all the necessary information to support your planning application and are based on authority-approved master maps.

What are the prerequisites of maps for site location plan and block plan?

Even if you have entrusted the task of producing maps for your planning application to a professional mapping company, here is a checklist to ensure your maps are done right.

Location plan

• The map must be prepared as per the standard scale requirements of the local authority.

• The north direction must be clearly marked.

• The paper version of the map must be printed as per requirements.

• The dates the survey was undertaken and the map prepared must be clearly stated on the map.

• The boundary of the land in question should be clearly marked in red.

• The road network and other structures around the site should be clearly marked.

• It should clearly show any other site owned by the applicant near the site of proposed construction.

Block plan

The map supporting your block plan should have the following details.

• It should clearly indicate the north direction.

• It should be prepared using a standard identified scale.

• It should show the road network, pavements and other buildings surrounding the application site, if the construction is going to affect or be affected by those structures.

• It should show every single tree and public access pathway on and around the site.

• It should clearly show the type of boundary that surrounds the application site.

If all this sounds like too much work, it’s best to consult a mapping expert for the job.