How long does planning permission take in North Devon?

Standard decision times

• Householder applications (extensions and alterations): 8 weeks
• Minor applications, such as one new home or a barn conversion with full planning: 8 weeks
• Major applications (10 or more homes): 13 weeks
• Class Q prior approval: 56 days, and if the council doesn't decide in time, approval is normally treated as granted
• Larger home extension notification: 42 days
• Lawful Development Certificate: usually around 8 weeks

The clock only starts once the council has validated the application, meaning it has everything it needs. Councils can also agree an extension of time with you, so decisions sometimes take longer than the target.

Which council?

Barnstaple, Braunton, Ilfracombe, South Molton and Tawstock come under North Devon Council. Bideford, Northam, Appledore and Great Torrington come under Torridge District Council. Land inside Exmoor National Park is handled by the Exmoor National Park Authority.

How to avoid delays

• Submit a complete application with the right drawings and reports first time, so it isn't held up at validation
• Get surveys such as ecology (bats and birds) done early, as some can only be done at certain times of year
• Check for flood risk, conservation areas and the National Landscape before designing
• Respond quickly to the planning officer's questions
• Consider pre-application advice for bigger or trickier schemes

Don't forget building regulations

Building regulations are separate from planning. A full plans application is usually decided within five weeks, or up to two months by agreement, and the work is inspected as it goes. We often prepare building regs drawings while planning is being decided, to save time.

Let us handle it

We prepare and submit planning, Class Q and building regulations applications, and deal with the council for you. See our planning and building regs service.