Last edited 05 Mar 2020

Block plan

A block plan usually shows the siting of buildings as blocks laid out on maps of the surrounding area. A range of standard mark ups can be used to depict boundaries, roads and other details.

Depending on the size of the project, typical scales of block plans are:

1 : 2500
1 : 1250
1 : 500

It is common for the term ‘block plan’ to be used interchangeably with ‘site plan’. They are both similar in that they illustrate the development site along with the position of the proposed building(s), as well as any access roads, vegetation, utilities, and so on. They typically indicate the development site and access in red outline, as well as any other land owned by the developer in blue outline.

However, a site plan generally shows in more detail the contents and extent of the site for an existing or proposed development, whereas a block plan shows less detail of the site and more of the surrounding area. In planning applications, block plans can help the local authority determine the possible impacts that the proposed project may have on the wider area.

If it is a large site or if a wider indication of the impact on the surrounding area is necessary, then a location plan may be prepared, identifying where the site is, but giving little detail for the development itself.