This guidance is based on the criteria set out in the Welsh Government guidance document ‘A Guide to the Standard Application Form (1APP) and Validation of Applications‘ and Planning Portal guidance.
All planning applications need a site location plan (also known as a location plan) which shows the proposal in its surrounding context and a block plan (also known as a site plan) which shows the development in more detail.
These plans enable the local planning authority (LPA) to identify the land to which the application refers to and should be based on an up-to-date Ordnance Survey map.
When using Ordnance Survey mapping for planning applications, the map:
l Must be up-to-date.
l Should show OS Crown copyright as an acknowledgement.
l Should show the correct licence number if you wish to print or copy maps for applications.
l Not be a Land Registry document.
l Not be used for multiple applications.
l Not be a photocopy or screen grab image.
l Not to be copied from existing OS mapping if using hand drawn maps – such as standard sheets.
If you require any further information or clarification on Ordnance Survey Licences and Copyright, please contact the Ordnance Survey Helpdesk on - Free phone: 08456 050505
Location Plan (to identify the site) – required for all applications
l Plans should be drawn to an identifiable scale, preferably 1:1250 or 1:2500 and should show the direction north.
l They should be based on an up-to-date map and should wherever possible show at least two named roads and surrounding buildings. The properties shown should be numbered or named to ensure that the exact location of the application site is clear.
l The application site should be edged clearly with a red line. It should include all land necessary to carry out the proposed development eg land required for access to the site from a public highway, visibility splays, landscaping, car parking and open areas around buildings.
l A blue line should be drawn around any other land owned by the applicant, close to or adjoining the application site.
Block Plan
In order to provide a clearer and more accurate understanding of the site, it may be necessary to submit a site plan. This should be drawn to an identifiable scale, preferably 1:500 or 1:200, and identify (where applicable) the following information:
l the proposed development in relation to the site boundaries and other existing buildings on the site, with written dimensions including those to the boundaries. It should also show the direction of “North”.
l all the buildings, roads and footpaths on land adjoining the site including access arrangements;
l all public rights of way (footpath, bridleway, restricted byway or byway open to all traffic) crossing or adjoining the site;
l the position of all trees on the site, and those on adjacent land that could influence or be affected by the development;
l the extent and type of any hard surfacing; and
l boundary treatment including walls or fencing where this is proposed.
How to obtain Location and Site Layout / Block Plans
Site and block plans can be purchased from any approved online Ordnance Survey map provider, such as Blackwells, including the Planning Portal if submitting your application online.
Alternatively you can purchase site or block plans from any of our three Customer Service Centres between 8:45 am to 5pm (Monday-Thursday) and 8:45 am to 4:30 pm (Friday) at:
l Ammanford Town Hall, Iscennen Road, Ammanford, SA18 3BE.
l 3 Spilman Street, Carmarthen, SA31 1LE.
l Ty Elwyn, Llanelli, SA15 3AP.
Site Plans cannot be ordered over the telephone, as the site needs to be identified and confirmed prior to ordering the plans.
The OS plans are supplied in black and white on A4 paper (or as a PDF). Due to copyright laws you are not legally permitted to take any further copies yourself.
Carmarthenshire County Council pricing for map supply- Please view the costs document in the Downloads section above.
General guidance about copyright information
Ordnance Survey map data is subject to Crown Copyright. This means any maps you obtain must only be used strictly in accordance with the terms and conditions that the Copyright allows. Any maps/location plans that don't comply with the terms and conditions and are submitted with a planning application may cause a delay in the processing of the application. All maps/location plans supplied by Carmarthenshire County Council, or any of its mapping partners will be acceptable, provided you do not make more than one copy for personal use. You may share the map (let someone else look at it), or give it away completely.
Land Registry plans
Using paper map data obtained from the Land Registry for planning purposes may not be allowed, and may not be accepted if submitted as part of a planning application, please be aware that this action may cause your application to be delayed.
Please see the Land Registry website for further information regarding exceptions and guidelines on how to use Land Registry Title Plans. Please note that additional copies of a Land Registry Title Plan or Ordnance Survey Content may not be taken unless you or the user holds a current Ordnance Survey Licence or a Paper Map Copy Licence (PMCL).