Local information requirements: VU City 3D model

Types of application that require this information

• All major new build applications of 50 dwellings or more; or 2,500 square metres of gross external floorspace or more.

Digital models for major applications

We use the VU.CITY digital 3D platform as a key part of our planning process for assessing the design of proposals for new buildings and large extensions. This allows us to place digital models of new developments within a wider city model, and is integral to delivering good growth and a high quality of design in development across the city. 

Digital 3D modelling will be required for major developments and any application that is considered to have a significant impact on the townscape.

Requirements for 3D model submission should be discussed with officers during pre-application discussion.

How to share a model with us

There are a number of ways you can share a model with us:

• sharing a link through VU.CITY
• sending a file to us directly

Sharing a link through VU.CITY

You may wish to consider taking out a licence with VU.CITY as part of the design and pre-application process to test your own schemes in the 3D context.

If you do not wish to take out a licence, applicants can be granted temporary access via VU.CITY to import, view and share a model link with us.

Gain temporary access to VU.CITY

Models can be shared with the Planning Officer and Project Team through the VU.CITY Cloud Platform.

VU.CITY Cloud Platform

Sending a file to us directly

If you are unable to access VU.CITY directly, you can send us a simple massing model created in other compatible programs. Planning and Design Officers will be able to import the massing model into VU.CITY to assess its impact on the local context.

VU.CITY knowledge base

Model requirements

The model should meet the following criteria:

• be geolocated in OS space in metres (m) units
• have a low polycount (recommended less than 65,000 vertices)
• be below 128MB
• be saved or exported in .FBX file format
• named with your application reference number and any revisions clearly labelled
• submitted to the relevant Case Officer, together with the 3D Model Submission Form

Download 3D Model submission form (Microsoft Word, 1.7mb)

Further support

For more detailed guidance on importing a model, please see the VU.CITY website.

You can also find a coverage map of area modelled within the council's boundary.

If you have any issues regarding import or using the model, please call the VU.CITY technical support team on 0808 168 3931 or email support@vu.city.