Updated June 2026 — prices reflect 2026 market conditions
Elevations for Planning Application: UK Guide
Elevation drawings are mandatory for almost all planning applications that change a building's exterior. Local authorities need them to assess visual impact, design quality, and neighbour relations.
Why Elevation Drawings Matter for Planning
| Reason | What Councils Assess | | --- | --- | | Visual appearance | Materials, window and door styles, roof design | | Design quality | Proportion, scale, architectural detail | | Neighbour impact | Relationship to adjoining buildings, overlooking | | Materials | Existing vs. proposed finishes — brick, stone, render | | Height verification | Ridge height, eaves height above ground level | | Extensions and additions | How the new work looks against the existing building |
You must submit both existing and proposed elevations unless your development affects no exterior walls.
What Measured Survey Elevations Include
Professional measured survey elevations capture all four sides of the building:
| Element | Details | | --- | --- | | All four elevations | North, south, east, west — labelled on drawings, not "front/back" | | Openings | Windows and doors with exact sizes and positions | | Roof details | Pitch, ridge height, eaves, overhangs | | Architectural features | Chimneys, sills, lintels, dormers, porches, decks | | External projections | Eaves, gutters, rainwater pipes | | **Floor levels | Finished ground level, floor positions, ridge heights | | External finishes | Render, brickwork — annotated | | **Scale bar and north point | Required on all drawings | | **Title block | Project name, drawing number, revision, date, scale |
Scale: Usually 1:50 or 1:100.
2025 UK Costs
Existing Conditions Survey (Measured Building Survey)
| Property Type | Cost (ex VAT) | | --- | --- | | Small residential | £400–£800 | | Medium residential (~350m²) | £1,500–£2,200 | | Large or commercial | £2,000–£5,000+ |
Proposed Planning Drawings (Architectural)
| Package | Cost (ex VAT) | | --- | --- | | Planning elevation drawings only | £600–£1,500 | | Full planning permission package | £800–£2,000 | | Measured survey + planning drawings | £1,200–£3,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need all four elevations for planning?
Yes — most LPAs require all four elevations annotated with compass directions. Confirm with your local planning authority.
Q: What scale should elevations be drawn at?
1:50 for detailed work; 1:100 for submission drawings. Confirm with your LPA.
Q: Can I use estate agent drawings for elevations?
No — estate agent drawings are approximate. Planning authorities require professionally surveyed elevations.
Q: Do I need proposed elevations too?
Yes — proposed elevations showing the extension or alteration in context with existing building lines.