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Build a clear, professional constraints map covering every relevant designation — ready to support a planning statement or design and access statement.
Most planning application submissions benefit from a clear constraints map — a single plan showing every relevant designation affecting the site, from flood zones to heritage boundaries. Maplify turns this into a straightforward export: draw your site boundary, switch on the constraint layers relevant to your proposal, and generate a professional map ready to attach to your submission.
This workflow saves planning consultants and applicants the time of manually compiling separate extracts from different government mapping portals into one coherent plan.
| Task | Traditional Method | With Maplify |
|---|---|---|
| Gather constraint data | Screenshot or extract mapping separately from council, Environment Agency and Historic England portals | All constraints available together on one map |
| Combine into one plan | Manually overlay screenshots in design software | One export, already combined and formatted |
| Add the site boundary | Draw manually over a base map in design software | Boundary drawn directly on the live map before export |
| Produce a print-ready plan | Format manually to a consistent scale and layout | A3 block plan export, print-ready |
| Time to produce a constraints map | 1-2 hours of manual compilation | 10-15 minutes |
A well-presented constraints map signals to a case officer that the applicant has done their homework — it's often the first thing reviewed alongside the application form, and a clear, accurate plan sets a positive tone for the rest of the submission. A poorly compiled or missing constraints assessment, by contrast, is a common trigger for a request for further information.
For planning consultants managing multiple live applications, having a fast, consistent way to produce this output for every submission also protects billable time for the higher-value analysis clients are really paying for.
A planning consultant is preparing a design and access statement for a rear extension application on a site near a conservation area boundary.
Draw your application site boundary on the map.
Switch on the constraint layers relevant to your proposal.
Review the combined map for anything requiring further comment in your submission.
Export an A3 block plan or constraints map.
Attach the export to your planning statement or design and access statement.
This is general guidance, not professional or legal advice — confirm specifics with the relevant authority or a qualified professional.
Planning Consultants
Produce constraints maps consistently across every live instruction.
Architects
Support a design and access statement with clear site context.
Homeowners
Prepare supporting evidence for a householder planning application.
Developers
Build the evidence base for a full planning application submission.
Explore other ways professionals use Maplify for planning applications.
What is a constraints map for a planning application?
A constraints map is a plan showing every relevant planning, environmental and heritage designation affecting a site, used as supporting evidence within a planning application's design and access statement or planning statement.
How do I create a constraints map on Maplify?
Search or draw your site boundary on the map, switch on the constraint layers relevant to your proposal, then export the view as a professional constraints map or A3 block plan.
What constraints should be included in a planning application submission?
This depends on the site, but commonly includes flood zones, heritage designations, Green Belt status, Tree Preservation Orders, Article 4 directions and any local plan site allocations relevant to the proposal.
Can I use a Maplify constraints map as formal planning application evidence?
Maplify constraints maps are a useful supporting exhibit within a planning statement or design and access statement, but the underlying assessment and professional judgement should come from a qualified planning consultant for a formal submission.
How does a constraints map improve the chances of a planning application succeeding?
A clear constraints map demonstrates that the applicant has considered site-specific issues before submitting a proposal, reducing the likelihood of the local planning authority requesting further information or raising an objection that could have been addressed at the design stage.
Can I export a constraints map in a print-ready format?
Yes. Maplify supports exporting an A3 landscape block plan with your constraints and site boundary included, suitable for printing or attaching to a digital planning application submission.
Generate a professional constraints map for your next planning application in minutes.
