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.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.
BSRIA Sentinel Clerk of Works Training Case Study
Strengthening expertise to enhance service delivery with integrated cutting-edge industry knowledge.
Impact report from the Supply Chain Sustainability School
Free sustainability skills, training and support delivered to thousands of UK companies to help cut carbon.
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.