North Devon
Good
Performance rating out of 100, based on approval rate, decision speed and appeal outcomes
North Devon is a planning authority in the South West of England that takes a generally welcoming approach to householder applications. The authority approves the vast majority of applications it receives, which suggests a pragmatic and supportive attitude towards home improvement projects. This is a good sign if you're thinking about extending or modifying your property.
Approval Rate
98%
of householder applications approved
Decided Within 8 Weeks
60%
meet the statutory target
Appeal Overturn Rate
26%
of refusals overturned on appeal
What to Expect
When you submit a planning application to North Devon, you can be confident that you have a very strong chance of approval, with 98% of householder applications being granted. However, you should be prepared for the decision to take a bit longer than ideal, as only 60% of applications are decided within the standard 8 week timeframe. This means some applications take longer, but the high approval rate means most people do eventually get the answer they're hoping for. If your application is refused, there is a reasonable chance of success on appeal, which provides an additional safety net.
Local Planning Considerations
North Devon includes areas of significant natural beauty and environmental sensitivity, so conservation areas and designated landscapes may affect what you can do with your property. You should check whether your home falls within any protected areas before you apply, as this will influence what changes are possible. The South West region as a whole tends to have strong views about protecting its countryside character, so this is worth keeping in mind.
Tips for Homeowners
Start by having a clear conversation with the planning team at North Devon about your project, as they are generally helpful and can point out any potential issues early on. Make sure you allow extra time for your application to be processed, since the authority takes longer than average to make decisions, and plan accordingly if you have a deadline in mind. Present your application as carefully as you can with good drawings and clear supporting information, because this high approval authority will look closely at the quality and detail of what you submit. Finally, don't be discouraged if your application takes longer than 8 weeks, as this is normal here and doesn't necessarily mean there's a problem.
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