Where it covers
The North Devon Coast National Landscape covers about 171 km² of coast and countryside, including places such as Combe Martin, Lee Bay, Woolacombe, Croyde, Saunton, Braunton Burrows, Northam Burrows, Westward Ho! and the Hartland Peninsula. The boundary doesn't follow parish lines, so always check the official map for your exact property before planning a project.
Extensions: reduced permitted development
National Landscapes are "article 2(3) land", which means some householder permitted development rights don't apply:
- Side extensions need planning permission
- Rear extensions of more than one storey need planning permission
- The larger home extension scheme (6 m or 8 m) isn't available
- Cladding the outside in stone, render, timber, tiles or similar needs permission
- Roof extensions such as dormers need planning permission
Single-storey rear extensions within the standard 3 m or 4 m limits can still be permitted development. See our permitted development guide for the full rules.
Barn conversions: no Class Q
Class Q permitted development doesn't apply in National Landscapes. Converting a barn in Croyde, Georgeham or near Woolacombe needs a full planning application. It is still possible, but the case has to be made properly, and the design has to respect the landscape. See Class Q vs full planning.
New homes
New homes in the National Landscape are tightly controlled, and councils give great weight to conserving its landscape and scenic beauty. Design, materials, scale and views from the coast path all matter.
What helps an application
- Design that suits the local building style, using materials like local stone, slate and render
- Careful siting and scale, keeping buildings low in the landscape
- Thought about views, lighting at night and landscaping
- Early advice from the council on bigger or sensitive schemes
Fixed-price planning and build packages
We price design, planning, building regulations and the build as one fixed package, agreed up front from a clear specification. No nasty surprises: the price only changes if you choose to change the job, and we agree any change with you first. How our packages work.
Building near the coast?
We prepare and manage planning applications and build across the area. See our Braunton and Croyde, Ilfracombe and Bideford pages, or our planning and building regs service.
Quick answers
Can I extend my house without planning in the National Landscape?
A single-storey rear extension within the standard limits can still be permitted development, but side extensions, two-storey extensions, dormers and cladding need planning permission.
Can I use Class Q to convert a barn in Croyde?
No. Class Q does not apply in National Landscapes, so a barn conversion there needs full planning permission.
How do I know if my property is in the National Landscape?
Check the official boundary map, or ask the council. The boundary does not follow parish or town lines.
Talk to us about your project
Call or text any time, or email us. We're happy to pop round for a no-obligation chat.
We work within roughly 15 miles of our base in Tawstock, including Barnstaple, Bideford, Braunton, Great Torrington, South Molton, Ilfracombe, Fremington, Instow, Northam, Westward Ho!, Appledore, Bishop's Tawton, Swimbridge, Landkey, Chittlehampton, Atherington, High Bickington and Chulmleigh.