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
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch-up on the latest episodes.
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.