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 939 applications which is broadly in line with the national average of 980. The approval rate was 94% (marginally above the national average of 88%) and 55% of applications were decided on time, (slightly below the national average of 59%). Stats updated July 2026 from gov.uk 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.
As well as acting as Planning Consultants we are ARB registered architects with over 25 years’ experience. We support clients through all stages of the planning process, offering the following services:
We specialise in resolving complex planning challenges through thoughtful architectural design, turning constrained or difficult sites into successful Planning Permission outcomes. Let’s discuss 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 939 applications which is broadly in line with the national average of 980. The approval rate was 94% (marginally above the national average of 88%) and 55% of applications were decided on time, (slightly below the national average of 59%). Stats updated July 2026 from gov.uk 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.
As well as acting as Planning Consultants we are ARB registered architects with over 25 years’ experience. We support clients through all stages of the planning process, offering the following services:
We specialise in resolving complex planning challenges through thoughtful architectural design, turning constrained or difficult sites into successful Planning Permission outcomes. Let’s discuss your project.
