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 874 applications which is slightly below the national average of 959. The approval rate was 94% (marginally above the national average of 88%) and 60% of applications were decided on time, (on par with the national average of 58%). Stats updated Sept 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:
Thoughtful, well-considered design is often the key to securing Planning Permission, particularly on sites where others struggle to find a way forward. 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 874 applications which is slightly below the national average of 959. The approval rate was 94% (marginally above the national average of 88%) and 60% of applications were decided on time, (on par with the national average of 58%). Stats updated Sept 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:
Thoughtful, well-considered design is often the key to securing Planning Permission, particularly on sites where others struggle to find a way forward. Let’s discuss your project.
