Elevations Survey for Planning Application in London
For a planning application in London, external elevations are required whenever your proposal changes the building's exterior — extensions, façade alterations, roofline changes, window or door replacements. A measured building survey with elevations gives your architect the accurate existing condition data needed to design and submit.
What Is Required for Planning
| Requirement | Details | | --- | --- | | Scale | 1:50 or 1:100 metric scale | | Coverage | All four elevations (North, South, East, West), including blank elevations | | Content | Window and door positions and heights, eaves, ridge levels, rooflines, architectural details, materials | | Existing and proposed | Both existing condition elevations and proposed design elevations showing changes | | Context | Relationship to adjoining and close buildings, height above ground level | | Special cases | Conservation areas and listed buildings need exact mapping of brickwork patterns, window styles, architectural features |
When Elevations Are Required
| Situation | Elevations Required? | | --- | --- | | Extensions | Always required | | Façade alterations | Always required | | Roofline changes | Always required | | New builds | Always required | | Residential conversions | Always required | | Householder applications | Yes | | Listed building consent | Yes | | Advertisement consent | Yes | | Change of use (exterior affected) | Yes | | Simple internal planning | Usually optional |
2025 Costs in London
| Property Type | Cost (ex VAT) | | --- | --- | | Small residential (floor plan only) | £600–£900 | | Full measured survey with elevations | £800–£2,000 (average £1,400) | | Multi-storey commercial with elevations and sections | £2,500–£5,000+ | | Per 2D drawing (additional) | From £375 | | 3D BIM model (optional) | From £550 |
Prices are higher in London due to site access difficulty, congestion charges, and party wall considerations.
Standard Deliverables
- 2D CAD drawings (DWG and PDF formats)
- Floor plans (all levels) at 1:50 or 1:100 scale
- External elevations (all façades)
- Sections showing floor-to-ceiling heights and roof pitch
- Roof plans (essential for dormer and attic conversions)
- Site or block plan at 1:500 or 1:200 scale (OS-based)
- Optional: Point cloud data, 3D Revit BIM model, DXF exports
Surveys are produced to RICS Band D or higher (millimetre-level precision) using laser scanning technology.
Why Accuracy Matters for Planning
The survey represents less than 1–2% of total project budget but is essential for validation. London councils will not process planning applications without accurate existing condition drawings. Inaccurate elevations lead to:
- Application refusal
- Conditions requiring redesign
- Delays in planning determination
- Additional surveyor costs to correct submissions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need all four elevations for a planning application?
Yes — all four elevations are required, including any blank elevations. Your architect and planning authority need to see the complete existing context.
Q: What scale should elevations be at?
1:50 for detailed design work. 1:100 for planning applications. Confirm with your local planning authority.
Q: Can I use estate agent photos instead of a measured survey?
No — estate agent photographs do not show accurate dimensions, levels, or proportions. Planning authorities require measured drawings.
Q: Are there additional requirements for listed buildings in London?
Yes — conservation areas and listed buildings require exact mapping of brickwork patterns, window styles, and architectural features. Heritage surveyors may be needed.
Q: What file formats will I receive?
AutoCAD DWG (editable) plus PDF. Revit RVT for BIM projects if required.