Updated June 2026 — prices reflect 2026 market conditions
Combined Survey for Planning Applications: One Mobilisation, Two Deliverables
A combined measured building and topographical survey delivers everything a planning application needs in a single site visit.
What Planning Applications Need
| Deliverable | Survey Type | Purpose | | --- | --- | --- | | Site plan with levels | Topographical | Planning validation | | Floor plans and elevations | Measured building | Design reference | | Sections and levels | Measured building | Building control | | Context plan | Topographical | Site analysis |
Why Combine Surveys for Planning
| Benefit | Description | | --- | --- | | One site visit | Single mobilisation, lower cost | | Consistent datum | OS National Grid applied to all drawings | | Coordinated deliverables | Drawings work together seamlessly | | Faster programme | One booking, one surveyor visit | | Single point of contact | One firm, one brief, one set of queries |
What Is Delivered
Topographical Elements
- OS National Grid coordinates and levels
- Boundary features, walls, fences
- Ground levels across the site
- Adjacent highway levels and features
- Trees, vegetation, services
- Drainage and utility positions
Measured Building Elements
- Floor plans (all floors)
- External elevations
- Sections
- Floor levels
- DWG + PDF format
Planning Application Coverage
| LPA | Survey Requirement | | --- | --- | | Westminster | Topographical + measured for all major applications | | Camden | Full measured building for change of use | | Islington | Topographical for all new build and extensions | | Southwark | Combined survey for basement and new build | | Tower Hamlets | Full site survey for major applications |
Costs (2025, ex VAT)
| Property Type | Combined Survey Cost | | --- | --- | | Small residential site | £900–£1,400 | | 3–4 bed house with garden | £1,200–£1,800 | | Large house / small commercial | £1,800–£3,000 | | Complex commercial site | £3,000–£5,000+ |
A combined survey typically saves 15–25% versus commissioning separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does a combined survey cover the building and the land?
Yes — one site visit captures both the existing building (measured building) and the surrounding land (topographical).
Q: Can I use one survey for both planning and building control?
Yes — a combined measured building and topographical survey provides the data needed for both.
Q: Is combined survey cheaper than two separate surveys?
Yes — one mobilisation saves travel and setup costs. Typically 15–25% cheaper.
Q: What if I only need the land survey for planning?
A topographical survey alone may be sufficient. Discuss your requirements withIcelabz.
Q: Do the drawings come in the same coordinate system?
Yes — all drawings use OS National Grid (EPSG:27700) with Newlyn datum.
Q: How long does a combined survey take?
Site visit: 4–8 hours for standard residential. Drawing delivery: 5–10 working days.