Planning Maps UK | OS Maps for Planning Applications

Planning Maps for the UK: OS Map Downloads & Planning Application Maps

Planning means different things to different people. A business planning its regional coverage needs a very different map from an architect submitting a planning application. This page covers both and points you in the right direction for each.

OS Wall Maps & Display Maps

If you need a map to help you plan, visualise or understand an area; for your office wall, a boardroom presentation, or as a working reference; our range of Ordnance Survey map downloads covers the whole of the UK. All maps are high-resolution 300 dpi PDF files, ready to print at large format, and available for instant download.

These are display and reference maps. They are not designed for formal planning applications if that's what you need, scroll down.

Need a Map for a Formal Planning Application?

Planning applications in England and Wales typically require two specific maps submitted with your application:

  • A location plan: usually at 1:1,250 scale for urban areas or 1:2,500 for rural sites, showing the application site in relation to surrounding properties and roads, with the site boundary clearly marked in red
  • A block plan (site plan): usually at 1:500 or 1:200 scale, showing the site itself in detail including existing and proposed features

These maps must be based on an up-to-date Ordnance Survey map. Our sister site, UK Map Centre, provides two dedicated services depending on your needs:

Applying for planning permission on your own property?

OS Planning Pack — 1:500 and 1:1250 scale location and block plans for planning applications

UK Map Centre's Planning Pack supplies the location plan and block plan you need for your application as high-resolution raster images (PDF, JPG or TIF) ready to print, annotate and submit. This is the straightforward option for homeowners and individuals handling their own application.

OS Planning Pack 1:500 & 1:1250 Scale Maps for Planning Applications

An architect, engineer or planning professional?

OS MasterMap DXF and DWG vector map data loaded in AutoCAD for professional planning submissions

UK Map Centre's CAD OS MasterMap service supplies vector mapping data in DXF or DWG format  georeferenced OS MasterMap data you can import directly into AutoCAD, Revit, or other CAD packages. Ideal for site surveys, detailed design work, and professional planning submissions.

CAD OS MasterMap DXF & DWG Vector Map Data for Professionals

Frequently Asked Questions

What scale map do I need for a planning application?

Most local planning authorities require a location plan at 1:1,250 scale for urban areas or 1:2,500 for rural areas, and a block plan at 1:500 or 1:200 scale. The maps available to download on this site are display and reference maps they are not designed or scaled for planning application submissions. For planning application maps at the correct scales, visit UK Map Centre.

Can I use a PDF map for a planning application?

For a formal planning application you'll need maps at specific scales (1:1,250 and 1:500 are most common) based on current OS data. UK Map Centre's Planning Pack supplies these as PDF, JPG or TIF suitable for most homeowner applications. If you're a professional requiring vector data for CAD, the CAD OS MasterMap service supplies DXF/DWG format instead.

Are your maps produced from up-to-date Ordnance Survey data?

Yes. All maps on ukmaps.co.uk are produced under licence from Ordnance Survey and are regularly updated to reflect the latest OS mapping data.

What's the difference between ukmaps.co.uk and UK Map Centre?

UK Maps (this site) sells pre-made PDF map downloads covering the whole UK ideal for reference, display, business planning and general use. UK Map Centre specialises in maps for formal planning applications and professional/technical use, including planning packs (PDF/JPG/TIF at the correct submission scales) and CAD vector data (DXF/DWG OS MasterMap). Both sites are run by the same team and use the same Ordnance Survey licensed data.