Planning Permission in Exeter
Non-Metropolitan District in South West · Last updated April 2026
Exeter is Devon's historic county city, with a compact urban area rich in history. The city has 20 conservation areas, one Article 4 direction, and 986 listed buildings, including the magnificent Exeter Cathedral and extensive medieval, Georgian, and Victorian townscape — alongside significant post-war reconstruction following the Blitz.
The council processes around 590 applications annually with an 88.1% approval rate. Exeter's planning landscape is shaped by the interplay between its historic core, suburban expansion, and the growing Cranbrook development on its eastern boundary.
Homeowners should check whether their property falls within any of Exeter's local plan designations, particularly the conservation areas covering the city centre, St Leonard's, Heavitree, and other historic neighbourhoods.
Planning a project in Exeter? Start here.
Enter your address to check your permitted development rights, conservation area status, and Article 4 restrictions specific to Exeter.
Free check — no account required
What can I build in Exeter?
| Project type | Likely permitted development | May need planning permission | Likely needs planning permission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear extension (single storey) | Most of Exeter outside protected zones | Properties near boundaries | Conservation areas (20), Article 4 zones (1), listed buildings |
| Rear extension (two storey) | Most of Exeter outside protected zones, if within 3m limit | Check distance to boundary ≥7m | Conservation areas (20), Article 4 zones (1), listed buildings |
| Side extension | Detached houses outside protected zones | Semi-detached properties (half-width rule) | Conservation areas (20), Article 4 zones (1), listed buildings |
| Loft conversion (dormer) | Houses outside conservation areas | Properties on prominent corners | Conservation areas, listed buildings, flats |
| Loft conversion (Velux/rooflight) | Most of Exeter | Front-facing rooflights in conservation areas | Listed buildings |
| Outbuilding / garden office | Most of Exeter outside protected 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 Exeter (internal works) | If changing external appearance significantly | Listed buildings |
This is general guidance based on Exeter's planning constraints. Your specific property may differ — use our free PD checker to get a result tailored to your address.
Permitted development in Exeter
Exeter's 20 conservation areas and single Article 4 direction cover the most historically significant parts of the city, including the medieval core around the Cathedral, the Georgian crescents of Southernhay, and the Victorian suburbs of St Leonard's and Mount Pleasant. Outside these areas, standard permitted development rights apply to most of Exeter's residential properties. The absence of Green Belt and the compact urban form mean that most suburban homeowners have full PD rights for typical extensions.
What Exeter expects from your project
Local design guidance
- Residential Design Guide SPD
Local Plan: Exeter Core Strategy 2006–2026
Exeter City Council adopted its Core Strategy in April 2012. The city is part of the Greater Exeter Strategic Plan (GESP) area, prepared jointly with East Devon, Mid Devon and Teignbridge. Exeter functions as the major growth hub for the south-west peninsula, with significant development planned in the science and technology quarter and waterside regeneration areas.
Emerging / replacement plan
Exeter is working as part of the Greater Exeter Strategic Plan (GESP) joint authority. The GESP was submitted for examination in 2023. A separate Exeter Local Plan is also being prepared for city-level policies, with Regulation 18 consultation in 2024.
Conservation areas in Exeter
20 designated conservation areas
The 20 conservation areas in Exeter protect the city's layered history — from the Roman walls and medieval street pattern to the Georgian elegance of Southernhay and the Victorian terraces of St Leonard's. Properties within these areas face restrictions on extensions, dormers, and external alterations. The city's distinctive red sandstone and render building tradition is an important element of conservation area character. The Article 4 direction provides additional protection in a specific area.
Article 4 directions in Exeter
1 Article 4 direction area
Listed buildings in Exeter
There are 986 listed buildings in Exeter. 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 Exeter's conservation team before starting any work on a listed property.
Planning application statistics
Year ending September 2025 | Source: MHCLG planning application statistics
Exeter received 587 planning applications and decided 547 in the year ending September 2025. The approval rate of 88.1% is above 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.
Exeter City Council received 587 planning applications in the year ending September 2025, with an 88.1% approval rate across 547 decisions. The council processed 255 householder applications. The approval rate is close to the national average, reflecting a balanced approach to development within the city's heritage constraints.
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 Exeter
Browse what's been approved near you
Seeing what similar projects have been approved near your property can help you understand what Exeter expects in terms of scale, materials, and design. It's also useful for gauging how quickly the council processes applications.
Search planning applications on Exeter's portal →Data from MHCLG planning application register. Search for householder applications (H01/H02) to see extensions and loft conversions in your area.
Housing delivery in Exeter
Housing Delivery Test 2023 measurement | Source: MHCLG
Exeter delivered 1,867 homes against a requirement of 1,693 over the three-year measurement period, giving a Housing Delivery Test score of 110%. This is above the 95% threshold, which means there are no government-imposed consequences for housing under-delivery. Planning applications in Exeter are assessed on their own merits under standard planning policies.
Lawful Development Certificates in Exeter
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is formal confirmation from Exeter 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.
Exeter decided 255 householder applications in the year ending september 2025. Their 8-week performance of 89.4% 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 Exeter
You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate through the Planning Portal or directly through Exeter'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
Exeter 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 Exeter needs planning permission.
FROM £39Permitted Development Certificate Report
Get a comprehensive report for your Lawful Development Certificate application.
£49Exeter Local Authority Report
Approval rates, decision patterns, Article 4 directions, fees & timelines, and council-specific tips for Exeter.
Pre-application advice in Exeter
Exeter 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 →Exeter City Council offers a paid pre-application advice service. Householder enquiries from around £100. Submit requests through the council's planning portal.
Planning fees and timelines in Exeter
| 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 Exeter and may change. Building regulations fees are separate — see the building control section below.
Building regulations in Exeter
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 Exeter is provided by Exeter Building Control. You can also use a private approved inspector instead of the council's service.
Building control contact
Exeter City Council Building Control or approved private inspectors.
Exeter planning department
Your building project checklist for Exeter
- Check if your property is in a conservation area — Exeter has 20 conservation areas. Use our free checker or see the list above.
- Check for Article 4 directions at your address — Exeter 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
Stay informed about planning in Exeter
Approval rate updates, Article 4 changes, and local planning tips — straight to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.