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.
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.
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.
Alongside acting as Planning Consultants we are ARB registered architects with 25+ years of experience. We advise on and prepare planning applications across a range of development types, including:
Creative architectural design is often what secures Planning Permission where standard approaches fall short. Tell us about your project.
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.
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.
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.
Alongside acting as Planning Consultants we are ARB registered architects with 25+ years of experience. We advise on and prepare planning applications across a range of development types, including:
Creative architectural design is often what secures Planning Permission where standard approaches fall short. Tell us about your project.
