Planning Constraints Maps & Site Constraint Mapping

Multiple planning constraints in one map - identify flood risk, heritage and planning restrictions affecting a site.

OS MasterMap® base mapping included - accurate building, boundary and site context.

Planning-ready constraint mapping - ideal for site appraisals, planning applications and development feasibility.

Instant access to key planning risks - understand constraints before investing time and money in a project.

What are planning constraints?

Planning constraints are designations, environmental factors and legal protections that may affect how land can be developed or altered.

Understanding planning constraints at an early stage can help identify development risks, avoid costly redesigns and support more informed planning decisions.

Planning constraint maps are commonly used to:

  • support planning applications
  • assess development opportunities
  • undertake site due diligence
  • prepare planning reports
  • investigate property constraints
  • support land acquisition decisions
What are planning constraints?

How professionals use planning constraints maps

Sector Need Why it's used Typical format
Planning Identify development constraints Supports planning applications and site assessments DWG, DXF
Architecture Understand site limitations Helps inform design and development proposals DWG, DXF
Development & Land Assess development potential Reveals constraints affecting site viability DWG, DXF
Property Investigate planning restrictions Supports property and land due diligence DWG, DXF
Surveying Review planning and environmental context Assists feasibility and site investigations DWG, DXF
Planning Consultancy Assess planning risk Provides early-stage planning intelligence DWG, DXF

What's included on a planning constraints map?

  • OS MasterMap® base mapping showing buildings, roads, boundaries and site context
  • Flood Zones 2 & 3 and Surface Water Flood Risk data from the Environment Agency
  • Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and protected tree constraints
  • Listed Buildings and designated heritage assets
  • Conservation Area boundaries and heritage designations
  • Article 4 Direction boundaries affecting permitted development rights
  • Site-specific mapping combining planning, environmental and heritage datasets

Licensing

  • Planning constraint mapping supplied using Searchland planning datasets, Environment Agency flood data and licensed OS MasterMap® mapping.
  • Planning constraints include heritage, environmental and planning designation data from authoritative public sources.
  • Constraint data remains subject to applicable licensing, copyright and source attribution requirements.

Comparing planning constraints

Map product Best used for Key limitations
Flood Risk Identifying flooding constraints Does not include heritage restrictions
TPO Mapping Identifying protected trees Does not include wider planning designations
Listed Buildings Identifying protected heritage assets Does not show area-based constraints
Conservation Areas Understanding heritage protection zones Does not identify all listed buildings
Article 4 Directions Understanding permitted development restrictions Does not include environmental constraints
Combined Planning Constraints Early-stage site assessment May require specialist reports for planning submission

When not to rely solely on planning constraints maps

Planning constraint maps provide valuable early-stage information but should not replace specialist planning, environmental or heritage advice where required.

  • For formal planning submissions
    Additional reports or assessments may still be required.
  • For legal interpretation of planning restrictions
    Professional planning advice should be obtained where necessary.
  • Where designations may have changed
    Constraints can be amended, updated or newly designated over time.
  • For detailed environmental or heritage assessments
    Specialist reports may still be required depending on the development proposal.
When not to rely solely on planning constraints maps

Technical Specification

Attribute Description
Coverage England, Wales & Scotland
Base mapping OS MasterMap®
Flood data Environment Agency Flood Zones 2 & 3 and Surface Water Flood Risk
Heritage data Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas
Planning data Article 4 Directions and TPO constraints
Formats CAD (DWG & DXF)
Projection British National Grid
Grid reference system OSGB36
Mapping extent Site-specific and surrounding planning context
Output options Planning constraint overlays and site-specific maps
Licensing Searchland, Environment Agency and Ordnance Survey licensing terms apply

FAQ

What is a planning constraints map?

A planning constraints map shows environmental, heritage and planning designations that may affect development land or property.

What constraints are included?

The map includes flood risk, Tree Preservation Orders, listed buildings, conservation areas and Article 4 Directions.

Are planning constraints important for planning applications?

Yes. Planning constraints can influence site design, development potential and planning decisions.

Does a planning constraints map replace a planning report?

No. It provides early-stage planning intelligence but does not replace professional planning advice or specialist reports.

Is flood risk included?

Yes. Flood Zones 2 & 3 and Surface Water Flood Risk data from the Environment Agency are included.

Are heritage constraints included?

Yes. Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas are included within the mapping.

Are Article 4 Directions included?

Yes. The map identifies areas where permitted development rights have been restricted.

Can I use planning constraints maps for site due diligence?








Yes. They are commonly used during property acquisition, development appraisal and feasibility studies.