South Hams
Good
Performance rating out of 100, based on approval rate, decision speed and appeal outcomes
South Hams is a planning authority in Devon covering a large area of the beautiful South West countryside. The council takes a generally supportive approach to householder applications, approving around nine out of every ten applications submitted. This is a helpful authority to work with if you're thinking about extending or improving your home.
Approval Rate
92%
of householder applications approved
Decided Within 8 Weeks
71%
meet the statutory target
Appeal Overturn Rate
29%
of refusals overturned on appeal
What to Expect
When you submit a planning application to South Hams, you can be reasonably confident about your chances of approval, with 92% of householder applications being granted permission. The council aims to make decisions within 8 weeks, and they manage to do this for about seven out of every ten applications, though some do take a bit longer. Even if your application is refused, there's a fair chance of success if you appeal, with around 29% of refused applications being overturned on appeal. Overall, this is a relatively straightforward authority to navigate.
Local Planning Considerations
South Hams covers a particularly special part of Devon with significant areas of natural beauty and heritage value, so conservation considerations may affect your property depending on its location. You should check whether your home falls within a conservation area or on protected land before you apply, as these designations can influence what you're able to do. The South West's countryside character is carefully protected, so planning decisions here often reflect the importance of maintaining local distinctiveness.
Tips for Homeowners
Start by having a detailed conversation with the planning team at South Hams before you submit anything, as they're generally approachable and can give you helpful early feedback on your ideas. Make sure you understand whether your property has any special designations like being listed or sitting in a conservation area, as these will shape what's possible. Put real effort into your application documents and drawings, showing that you've thought carefully about how your proposal fits with the local area and your neighbours' concerns. Finally, don't be discouraged if the decision takes longer than 8 weeks, as some applications naturally need more time, but you can always contact the council to ask how things are progressing.
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