North Devon includes Barnstaple, Ilfracombe, and South Molton. Planning focuses on coastal towns, rural villages, and sensitive residential development. Known for natural landscapes, historic towns, and seaside tourism, planning balances growth with conservation. We can advise and support projects throughout North Devon.
In the last year North Devon decided 963 applications which is broadly in line with the national average of 988. The approval rate was 94% (marginally above the national average of 88%) and 51% of applications were decided on time, (significantly below the national average of 59%). Stats updated March 2026 from gov. sources. See how North Devon performs relative to other LPAs in our LPA hub.
The Open Countryside is generally defined as land outside settlement and Green Belt boundaries, often comprising agricultural or natural land. Development, particularly standard residential development, is usually restricted in Open Countryside.
North Devon features the Taw-Torridge estuary and Exmoor fringe, where coastal and upland landscapes are particularly sensitive to development.
One of the top reasons poorly prepared proposals in the Open Countryside are refused is that they fail to demonstrate a policy-supported need. To minimise that risk with bespoke advice contact us here.
In addition to acting as Planing Conultants we are ARB registered architects with 25+ years of experience. Our planning proposals are creatively tailored to each site to maximise potential and improve planning outcomes. We use the following tried and tested process to guide clients in North Devon through planning to completion:
We can review your site in North Devon and offer informed guidance on how proposals can be developed in order to maximise your chances of securing Planning Permission.
North Devon includes Barnstaple, Ilfracombe, and South Molton. Planning focuses on coastal towns, rural villages, and sensitive residential development. Known for natural landscapes, historic towns, and seaside tourism, planning balances growth with conservation. We can advise and support projects throughout North Devon.
In the last year North Devon decided 963 applications which is broadly in line with the national average of 988. The approval rate was 94% (marginally above the national average of 88%) and 51% of applications were decided on time, (significantly below the national average of 59%). Stats updated March 2026 from gov. sources. See how North Devon performs relative to other LPAs in our LPA hub.
The Open Countryside is generally defined as land outside settlement and Green Belt boundaries, often comprising agricultural or natural land. Development, particularly standard residential development, is usually restricted in Open Countryside.
North Devon features the Taw-Torridge estuary and Exmoor fringe, where coastal and upland landscapes are particularly sensitive to development.
One of the top reasons poorly prepared proposals in the Open Countryside are refused is that they fail to demonstrate a policy-supported need. To minimise that risk with bespoke advice contact us here.
In addition to acting as Planing Conultants we are ARB registered architects with 25+ years of experience. Our planning proposals are creatively tailored to each site to maximise potential and improve planning outcomes. We use the following tried and tested process to guide clients in North Devon through planning to completion:
We can review your site in North Devon and offer informed guidance on how proposals can be developed in order to maximise your chances of securing Planning Permission.
