What is CGI in Planning?

CGI in planning refers to computer-generated imagery submitted alongside a planning application to show the local authority, consultees, and neighbours how a proposed development will look once built. UK local planning authorities accept CGI as supporting evidence within Design and Access Statements, Heritage Impact Assessments, and public consultation packs.

For straightforward householder applications, a set of photoreal exterior images from one or two agreed viewpoints is usually sufficient. For larger or more sensitive schemes, councils often request verified views: CGI composited precisely onto a surveyed photograph using a matched camera position, focal length, and lens distortion, so the scale and location of the proposal are provably accurate. Historic England, the Greater London Authority, and many London boroughs publish specific guidance on what a verified view must demonstrate.

In a conservation area or near a listed building, the planning officer uses the CGI to assess whether the proposal preserves or enhances the character of the area. A poorly produced image, where the building scale or material finish is ambiguous, can attract objections and prolong determination. A well-prepared CGI that clearly shows the design in context, with accurate shadows and surrounding streetscape, reduces officer queries and supports a faster decision.

The UK planning system does not mandate a single CGI specification for all applications. Instead, requirements vary by local authority, by the sensitivity of the site, and by the scale of the scheme. For householder projects, a clear photoreal exterior image submitted as a PDF alongside the standard drawing pack is usually accepted without conditions. For major applications, the pre-application discussion with the local authority is the place to confirm the required viewpoints, submission format, and any specific methodology the council expects.

A CGI produced for planning purposes differs from marketing imagery in one important respect: it must be accurate rather than flattering. Verified views in particular are evidential documents. The studio must be able to demonstrate that the camera was positioned at a fixed surveyed point, that the lens parameters match, and that the 3D model matches the drawings submitted with the application. Any discrepancy between the CGI and the drawings can be raised as a grounds of objection or called out on appeal.