Do I need a topographical survey for planning permission in 2025?

Wondering “Do I need a topographical survey for planning permission in 2025?” In most cases, yes—or at least you’ll benefit greatly from having one before you submit. A topographical survey verifies that your proposed design fits within the site boundaries and existing conditions. It pinpoints the exact location of underground utilities, the positions of existing buildings, trees and features, and the levels across the terrain, so your scheme can integrate seamlessly with what’s already on site. In short, it’s a key preparatory step that de-risks design and speeds up planning.

What is a topographical survey?

A topographical (topo) survey is a highly accurate map of your site, capturing man‑made and natural features along with elevation data. Typically delivered in CAD and PDF, it establishes reliable horizontal and vertical control, shows building footprints, boundaries, kerbs, walls, trees, spot levels and contours—often tied to Ordnance Survey. Modern topo surveys combine traditional total station work, laser scanning and drones for coverage and precision. If you’re curious about the tech behind this, see how we approach topographical survey equipment and methods, or explore when drones can add value with our guide to drone surveys.

Is a topo survey mandatory for planning in 2025?

Local Planning Authorities don’t always state it as a formal requirement, but many expect accurate site plans—especially for anything beyond minor works. Architects, planners, engineers and arboriculturists rely on topo data to design responsibly and demonstrate context. Without it, you risk design revisions, drainage issues, neighbour objections, or validation delays. Where services, trees or levels are critical, complement your topo with an underground utilities survey to avoid clashes and redesigns later.

When you definitely should get one

• New builds, replacement dwellings, or significant extensions and outbuildings
• Sloping, irregular or previously landscaped sites where levels affect access, drainage or massing
• Schemes in conservation areas or near sensitive neighbours and heritage assets
• Sites with trees (for BS5837 arboricultural constraints and RPAs)
• Projects needing SuDS, flood-risk assessment or drainage design
• Complex plots with tight site boundaries, easements, rights of way or highway interfaces
• Brownfield land with a likelihood of underground utilities or historic services

What should your survey include?

A planning-ready topo should show precise boundaries (where available), building footprints with threshold/eaves/ridge levels, spot levels and contours, kerbs and surface changes, walls/fences, trees (trunk diameter, canopy spread and height where required), drainage covers, visible service markers, street furniture and access points. For robust design coordination, pair the topo with a trace of buried services—GPR and EML together provide coverage and confidence. Learn more about combining topo and utilities here: Combine Underground Utilities with Your Topographical Survey.

How a topo survey strengthens your application

Planning officers need clarity. Accurate base mapping helps demonstrate scale, overlooking/overshadowing impacts, and compliance with design policies. It also reduces RFIs and late-stage changes by giving the whole team the same dependable dataset for layouts, cut-and-fill, drainage, and access design.

Getting from brief to submission

1. Define your survey extents and deliverables (CAD, PDF, contours, elevations if needed).
2. Establish control and capture the site using total stations, laser scanning and/or drones.
3. Coordinate utilities where relevant and request consistent levels and grid.
4. Share the deliverables early with your architect, planner, engineer and arboriculturist.
5. Update the survey if the site changes before submission or construction.

Why work with Bury Associates?

We combine precision fieldwork with rigorous QA so your topo is reliable, legible and ready for planning, design and tender. For budgeting guidance, see How Much Does a Topographical Survey Cost?. If your site is extensive or access is constrained, our drone-enabled workflows can shorten programme without compromising accuracy—read more in our drone survey advantages.

In 2025, a topographical survey isn’t just a drawing—it’s the foundation for a successful planning strategy. Get the base right and everything built on it goes more smoothly.