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Change of use to short-term let: what drawings do councils actually expect?

Clear guidance on the plans and drawings councils look for on STR change of use applications, why validation checklists cause confusion, and how to avoid delays.

Change of use to a short-term let (STR) is one of the most confusing application types for homeowners. Validation checklists can feel generic, while STR guidance often adds extra detail. The result is a common question: what drawings do councils actually expect?

This guide distills what councils typically require, where the differences appear, and how to submit plans that pass validation first time.

Why STR validation feels stricter

STR change of use applications are assessed on how the use affects neighbours and the wider area, not just how the building looks. That means councils want clear location context, internal layout, and how the property sits within shared spaces. Unclear plans trigger validation queries and delays.

The baseline drawings most councils expect

• Location plan at 1:1250 or 1:2500 with a red line boundary.
• Site plan (block plan) at 1:200 or 1:500 showing boundaries, access, and layout.
• Existing and proposed floor plans at 1:50 or 1:100 with a scale bar.
• North point and clear labels across all plans.
• Clean PDF exports (no screenshots).

If you are unsure about the difference between a location plan and a site plan, see location plan vs site plan.

What councils often ask for on STR applications

• Room uses clearly labelled (bedrooms, living space, kitchen, storage).
• All window and door openings shown.
• In flats, the relationship to the common stair and neighbouring properties.
• Floor area in square metres (used for fees in some authorities).
• Scale bars on every drawing sheet.

Example: Edinburgh’s STR requirements

Edinburgh’s short-term let planning guidance is unusually specific. It requires an Ordnance Survey location plan at 1:1250 with the site outlined in red, plus existing and proposed floor plans at 1:50 or 1:100. The floor plans must show room uses, door and window openings, and the relationship to common stairs in flatted buildings. This is a good benchmark for what many councils expect even if their checklist is less detailed.

What councils may request depending on the case

• Elevations or sections if external changes are proposed.
• Parking or access details if the street is sensitive.
• Waste storage locations or shared amenity notes.
• A short planning statement explaining the STR use.
• Evidence for existing lawful use if applying for a certificate of lawfulness.

Common reasons STR plans fail validation

• Submitting only a location plan and omitting the site plan.
• Using floor plans marked 'not to scale'.
• Missing or unclear red line boundary.
• No scale bar or north point.
• Plans exported at low resolution or as screenshots.

How to interpret a validation checklist

Checklists can be generic, so read the STR-specific guidance first, then match each item to your plans. If the checklist says 'location plan', assume it must be OS-based and correctly scaled. If it says 'floor plans', assume they must be scaled and labelled even if not stated explicitly.

If your council is in a short-term let control area, expect higher scrutiny on plans because the use itself is the main planning issue.

STR plan submission checklist

• Location plan at 1:1250 or 1:2500 with a red line boundary.
• Site plan at 1:200 or 1:500 showing access and layout.
• Scaled floor plans at 1:50 or 1:100 with room uses, doors, and windows.
• Scale bars and north points on every sheet.
• Clear PDF exports checked at 100% zoom.

How Butler Floorplan helps

Butler Floorplan makes it easy to generate location plans, site plans, and scaled floor plans that meet council expectations for STR applications. You can add red and blue boundaries, include scale bars, and export clean PDFs in minutes.