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
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.