One of the most important elements of a planning application are the plans that support the application.
Plans are also the most likely source of issues in the application process where the information presented on the plan is either incorrect or sometimes missing.
There are a number of different plans that can support a planning application; however the following plans are the basic ‘building blocks’ to a planning application.
Getting these plans right from the start can save a lot of time and allow planning officers to effectively assess the planning application.
The below video outlines common plan types which may be required for your planning application. In some cases there will be further plans or documentation required for your application, this is something one of our team members can advise on prior to lodgement.
Survey or site context plans are the basic ‘starting point’ for any development proposals.
A survey plan clearly shows the boundaries and measurements of the land, and will include the position of any structures relative to the location of the boundaries. This should include neighbouring properties and structures.
A survey/site context plan is prepared by a licensed professional (land surveyor) who will visit the land and take precise measurements using specialised equipment.
Click here to view a video describing Survey / Site Context Plans
A site plan is a document that precisely maps out the area of a parcel of land and any buildings to scale. Generally speaking there are two site plans that should be provided:
Existing site plan – the ‘before’ situation. This site plan shows the site in its current state.
Proposed site plan – the ‘after’ situation. The proposed site plan shows what’s going to change, and how the site will look once construction is finished.
A basic site plan should include:
- The geographic location, shape and size of the site – showing a scale
- A north point
- Contour lines that show any variation in height
- The exact location and footprint of any existing structures
- The area that’s going to be covered by a proposed development and any other structures you’re planning on building
- Any easements, driveways, existing stormwater drainage, etc.
- Any relevant features of the area surrounding your development site - particularly things which might affect access to the site or construction
- Any vegetation that is to be removed and retained on the site
Click here to view a video describing Site Plans
Examples of Site Plans
An elevation plan:
- Shows the front or side of a building/structure
- Gives you the chance to see everything from the other viewpoints
- Demonstrates the way the building will look once constructed
- Provides details of materials and colours of the external finishes
Elevation plans will include information on both Natural Ground Level and Finished Floor Levels - that is the finished level of the upper surface of the floor.
Click here to view a video describing Elevation Plans
A floor plan is a scaled diagram of a room or building viewed from above showing the relationships between rooms, spaces and other physical features at one level of a structure.
A floor plan should always be shown on a site plan and include setbacks to the site boundaries.
Dimensions are usually drawn between the walls to specify room sizes and wall lengths.
Click here to view a video describing Floor Plans
Landscape Plans are typically prepared from the perspective the birds-eye view, and include all proposed soft and hard landscaping elements and materials such as plantings and garden bed areas.
Landscaping plans will include the location of existing trees, grassed areas and other landscape features on the site.
These plans will include a planting schedule. The planting schedule will detail:
- The planting positioning
- Species by botanical and common names
- Quantities
- Planting sizes
Click here to view a video describing Landscape Plans
A Bushfire Management Plan is required where a property is identified in a Bushfire Management Overlay.
It shows all of the measures that will be implemented as part of a development to reduce the risk from bushfire to an acceptable level
The Bushfire Management Plan will contain information such as:
- The Bushfire Attack Level, often referred to as a BAL level
- Any vulnerable parts of the building
- Water supply on the site
- Details of the driveway access
It is recommended you engage a consultant to prepare your Bushfire Management Plan.
Click here to view a video describing Bushfire Management Plans
A garden area plan is a site plan which includes a hatched or shaded area providing the percentage of the site not covered by buildings, driveways or any other structures.
Click here to view a video describing Garden Area Plans