TranslateThis guidance explains when applicants may need to provide a layout plan and/or a location plan as part of a short-term let application.
The purpose of these plans is to help the Council assess the premises, including guest accommodation, safety features and, where relevant, maximum occupancy.
Layout Plan
A layout plan is a plan of the premises showing the accommodation and key safety features.
A layout plan may be professionally prepared or hand-drawn, provided it is clear, legible and detailed enough for the Council to assess the application properly.
The layout plan should normally show:
- the rooms within the premises, including living areas and bedrooms;
- the rooms which will be available to guests;
- room sizes, including bedroom dimensions;
- fire escape routes;
- the location of smoke and heat alarms;
- the location of any fire doors; and
- the location of stairs, lifts or other relevant access points
Room measurements are important because they may be used, along with other relevant information, to assess the maximum number of guests who can safely be accommodated.
Location Plan
A location plan shows where the premises are situated in relation to surrounding streets and nearby buildings.
The location plan should be clear enough to identify the property and its position. It should normally be to a scale of no less than 1:1,500.
An aerial image or online map may be accepted if it clearly shows the premises. A separate location plan may not be needed where the location is clearly shown as an inset on the layout plan.
When plans are required
The table below gives general guidance on when a layout plan or location plan will normally be required.
| Application type | Layout Plan | Location Plan | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New short-term let licence | Yes | Yes | A new application will normally require both plans. |
| Temporary short-term let licence | May be required | May be required | The Council may require the same or equivalent plan information as for a new application so that it can assess safety and suitability. |
| Provisional short-term let licence | Yes | Yes | Where premises are not yet complete, plans should show the proposed completed layout and location of the premises. |
| Confirmation of provisional licence | May be required | May be required | The Council may ask for updated plans or other further information, particularly where the completed premises differ from what was originally proposed or where clarification is needed. |
| Change of day-to-day manager only | No | No | Plans are not usually needed where the application relates only to a management change and there is no change to the premises. |
| Amendment / variation involving a material change to layout | Yes | May be required | A revised layout plan will normally be needed. A revised location plan may also be required where the change affects the parts of the premises used for the short-term let or where further clarification is reasonably required. |
| Amendment / variation not involving any layout change | No | No | Whether plans are needed will depend on the nature of the change. |
| Renewal with no change to layout | No | No | Fresh plans are not normally required where the premises remain unchanged. |
| Renewal where the layout has changed | Yes | May be required | A revised layout plan will normally be needed. A revised location plan may also be requested if reasonably required. |
| Transfer of licence only | No | No | A transfer application is about the licence holder changing. It does not normally require fresh plans by itself where the premises remain unchanged. |
| Transfer where there has also been a layout change | Separate application likely requested | Separate application likely requested | If the premises have changed, the Council may require a separate amendment / variation or other appropriate application rather than dealing with the issue through transfer alone. Please contact the Licensing Department for further information. |
Before submitting plans
Before submitting your application, you should check that:
- the address on the plan matches the application;
- all guest accommodation is clearly marked;
- room measurements are shown where relevant;
- safety features are clearly identified; and
- the plan is legible and complete
If the plans submitted do not contain enough detail, the Council may ask for further information, photographs or revised plans before the application can be progressed.
Important note
This guidance is intended to help applicants understand the Council’s general requirements. Whether updated or additional plans are needed in any individual case will depend on the type of application and the nature of the premises and proposed use.
If you are unsure whether plans are needed for your application, you should contact the Licensing Department before submitting the application.