Planning Permission in Dartmoor National Park
National Park Authority in England · Last updated April 2026
Dartmoor National Park covers 368 square miles of dramatic moorland, river valleys, and historic settlements in the heart of Devon. The National Park Authority is the planning authority for all land within the park boundary. With 25 conservation areas, 2,075 listed buildings, and the highest level of landscape protection, planning on Dartmoor requires careful attention to the park's special qualities.
The NPA processes around 330 applications annually with an 86% approval rate. Dartmoor's planning policies prioritise the conservation and enhancement of the national park's natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage while supporting the social and economic wellbeing of local communities.
All homeowners within Dartmoor should consult the Dartmoor Local Plan before starting any work. National park designation brings additional planning considerations beyond those in surrounding districts.
Planning a project in Dartmoor National Park? Start here.
Enter your address to check your permitted development rights, conservation area status, and Article 4 restrictions specific to Dartmoor National Park.
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What can I build in Dartmoor National Park?
| Project type | Likely permitted development | May need planning permission | Likely needs planning permission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear extension (single storey) | Only outside conservation areas and Article 4 zones | Properties near boundaries | Conservation areas (25), listed buildings |
| Rear extension (two storey) | Only outside conservation areas and Article 4 zones, if within 3m limit | Check distance to boundary ≥7m | Conservation areas (25), listed buildings |
| Side extension | Detached houses outside protected zones | Semi-detached properties (half-width rule) | Conservation areas (25), listed buildings |
| Loft conversion (dormer) | Houses outside conservation areas | Properties on prominent corners | Conservation areas, listed buildings, flats |
| Loft conversion (Velux/rooflight) | Most of Dartmoor National Park | Front-facing rooflights in conservation areas | Listed buildings |
| Outbuilding / garden office | Only outside conservation areas and Article 4 zones, if within size/height limits | Large outbuildings covering >50% of garden | Conservation areas (side or front), listed buildings |
| Porch | Most properties if within 3m² and 3m height | Properties near highway boundary | Conservation areas with restrictions, listed buildings |
| Solar panels | Most properties (roof-mounted) | Panels protruding beyond roofline | Listed buildings, conservation areas (if visible from road) |
| Driveway / hard standing | If using permeable surfacing | Non-permeable surfacing over 5m² | Conservation areas with specific restrictions |
| Garage conversion | Most of Dartmoor National Park (internal works) | If changing external appearance significantly | Listed buildings |
This is general guidance based on Dartmoor National Park's planning constraints. Your specific property may differ — use our free PD checker to get a result tailored to your address.
Permitted development in Dartmoor National Park
As a national park, Dartmoor has more restrictive permitted development rights than standard planning authorities. Some PD rights that apply elsewhere in England are reduced or removed within the park. For example, the size limits for extensions and outbuildings are more restrictive. The 25 conservation areas and 2,075 listed buildings add further constraints. Homeowners should always check with the NPA before assuming PD rights apply to their proposal.
What Dartmoor National Park expects from your project
Local Plan: Dartmoor National Park Development Management and Delivery DPD
Dartmoor National Park Authority manages planning across the Dartmoor National Park. The Core Strategy was adopted in 2008 and the Development Management and Delivery DPD in September 2013. As a national park, planning policy must give great weight to conserving and enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of Dartmoor.
Emerging / replacement plan
Dartmoor National Park Authority is preparing a new Local Plan. A Regulation 18 Issues and Options consultation ran in 2022 and a Regulation 19 Pre-Submission plan is anticipated in 2025, with adoption targeted for 2026.
25 conservation areas
Dartmoor National Park has a high number of conservation areas. Check whether your property falls within one before starting any work — conservation area status significantly restricts what you can do without planning permission.
Conservation areas in Dartmoor National Park
25 designated conservation areas
The 25 conservation areas within Dartmoor protect the most important historic settlements — from medieval stannary towns like Chagford and Ashburton to the moorland farming villages and planned Victorian model villages. The park's distinctive granite architecture, with its stone walls, slate roofs, and granite gateposts, is central to conservation area character. Properties in these areas face stricter controls than in standard conservation areas due to the overlay of national park policies.
Article 4 directions in Dartmoor National Park
1 Article 4 direction area
Listed buildings in Dartmoor National Park
There are 2,075 listed buildings in Dartmoor National Park. If your property is listed, permitted development rights are significantly restricted. Most external and many internal alterations will require listed building consent, which is separate from planning permission. Always check with Dartmoor National Park's conservation team before starting any work on a listed property.
Planning application statistics
Year ending September 2025 | Source: MHCLG planning application statistics
Dartmoor National Park received 332 planning applications and decided 293 in the year ending September 2025. The approval rate of 86% is below the national average of 86.9%. Major applications are expected to be decided within 13 weeks, while householder and other non-major applications have an 8-week target. The “in time” figures include decisions made within agreed extensions of time.
Dartmoor National Park Authority received 332 planning applications in the year ending September 2025, with an 86% approval rate across 293 decisions. The NPA processed 126 householder applications. The approval rate reflects the NPA's supportive approach to appropriate development within the constraints of national park policy.
If your project complies with permitted development rules, you don't need to worry about approval rates — a Lawful Development Certificate is a factual assessment, not a judgment call.
Recent planning applications in Dartmoor National Park
Browse what's been approved near you
Seeing what similar projects have been approved near your property can help you understand what Dartmoor National Park expects in terms of scale, materials, and design. It's also useful for gauging how quickly the council processes applications.
Search planning applications on Dartmoor National Park's portal →Data from MHCLG planning application register. Search for householder applications (H01/H02) to see extensions and loft conversions in your area.
Lawful Development Certificates in Dartmoor National Park
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is formal confirmation from Dartmoor National Park that your project is lawful under permitted development rules. It is not legally required before you build, but it is the only official document that proves your project did not need planning permission. Most solicitors will ask for one when you come to sell, remortgage, or insure your property.
Dartmoor National Park decided 126 householder applications in the year ending september 2025. Their 8-week performance of 92.1% is below the national average of 93%, so LDC applications may take longer than the 8-week target. LDC applications follow the same 8-week statutory determination period as householder planning applications.
How to apply for an LDC in Dartmoor National Park
You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate through the Planning Portal or directly through Dartmoor National Park's website. You will need to submit:
- A completed application form (available on the Planning Portal)
- A site location plan at 1:1250 or 1:2500 scale
- Existing and proposed floor plans and elevations
- A written description of the proposed works and how they comply with the GPDO 2015
- The application fee of £258
Dartmoor National Park must issue a decision within 8 weeks. If the application is approved, the certificate is a permanent legal record that the development is lawful. If refused, you can appeal to the Planning Inspectorate or amend your project and reapply.
Need help preparing your LDC application?
Our Permitted Development Certificate Report gives you a full PD eligibility assessment, property constraints check, and application checklist tailored to your address and project — so you can apply with confidence.
Check your permitted development rights
Find out instantly whether your project in Dartmoor National Park needs planning permission.
FROM £39Permitted Development Certificate Report
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£49Dartmoor National Park Local Authority Report
Approval rates, decision patterns, Article 4 directions, fees & timelines, and council-specific tips for Dartmoor National Park.
Pre-application advice in Dartmoor National Park
Dartmoor National Park offers a pre-application advice service.
Pre-app advice is worth paying for if your project is borderline, your property is in a conservation area, or your home is a listed building.
Think your project might be permitted development?
Check in 2 minutes with our free tool — no sign-up needed.
Check your PD rights now →Dartmoor National Park Authority offers a pre-application advice service. Householder enquiries from around £120. Contact the planning team directly for guidance.
Planning fees and timelines in Dartmoor National Park
| Application type | Fee | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Householder planning application | £528 | 8 weeks |
| Full planning permission | £610 per dwelling | 8-13 weeks |
| Lawful Development Certificate (proposed) | £264 | 6-8 weeks |
| Lawful Development Certificate (existing) | £298 | 6-8 weeks |
| Listed building consent | Free | 8 weeks |
| Prior approval | £120 | 56 days |
| Discharge of conditions | £145 per request | 8 weeks |
| Non-material amendment | £44 | 28 days |
Fees are set nationally and correct as of April 2026. Pre-application fees are set by Dartmoor National Park and may change. Building regulations fees are separate — see the building control section below.
Building regulations in Dartmoor National Park
Building regulations approval is separate from planning permission. Most extensions, loft conversions, and structural alterations need building regs approval even if they don't need planning permission.
Building control in Dartmoor National Park is provided by Dartmoor National Park Building Control. You can also use a private approved inspector instead of the council's service.
Building control contact
Building control is provided by the relevant district council (Teignbridge, West Devon, South Hams, or Mid Devon) or approved private inspectors.
Dartmoor National Park planning department
Your building project checklist for Dartmoor National Park
- Check if your property is in a conservation area — Dartmoor National Park has 25 conservation areas. Use our free checker or see the list above.
- Check for Article 4 directions at your address — Dartmoor National Park has 1 Article 4 areas. Check your address.
- Check if your property is listed — search the Historic England list.
- Use our free PD checker to see if your project qualifies as permitted development — Check now.
- Consider a Lawful Development Certificate if PD applies — it protects you when selling. Learn more about LDCs or get your PD Certificate Report.
- Consider pre-application advice if planning permission is needed — see the pre-application section above.
- Check building regulations — most extensions and loft conversions need building regs approval even if they don't need planning permission.
- Check Party Wall Act obligations if building near a boundary — read our Party Wall guide or use our free Party Wall tool.
- Notify your home insurer about planned building work.
- Get at least 3 quotes from builders and check their credentials.
Nearby planning authorities
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