Indicative layout
Outline planning applications can be used to find out whether a proposed development is likely to receive planning permission, before substantial costs are incurred developing a detailed design. They generally involve the submission of outline proposals, the details of which are agreed as 'reserved matters' applications at a later stage.
Outline planning applications involve consideration of the use and amount of development. As a minimum therefore, they will include an indicative layout of the proposed development, giving an indication of:
- The site boundary.
- The immediate surroundings and orientation.
- Means of access onto the site.
- Separate development zones proposed within the site boundary.
- Uses for each building.
- The upper and lower height limits for each building.
- Their position in relation to streets.
- An indication of built form and blocking.
- Landscape structure.
- Overall character of the site.
An indicative layout can be similar to a block plan or site plan, but is typically an earlier and less detailed version.
Indicative layouts may also be prepared in the early stages of a project for feasibility studies and options appraisals.
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