Planning Permission in South Hams
Non-Metropolitan District in South West · Last updated April 2026
South Hams is one of Devon's most scenic districts, covering the area between Dartmoor and the coast from Salcombe to Dartmouth. With 47 conservation areas, no Article 4 directions, and 2,667 listed buildings, the district is defined by its outstanding coastal and rural landscapes, historic market towns, and harbour villages.
The council handles around 1,180 applications annually with an 89.7% approval rate. South Hams' planning landscape is strongly influenced by the South Devon AONB covering much of the coastline and parts of Dartmoor National Park in the north of the district.
Homeowners should consult the Plymouth and South West Devon Joint Local Plan for guidance. Properties near or within Dartmoor should check whether the National Park Authority handles their planning applications.
Planning a project in South Hams? Start here.
Enter your address to check your permitted development rights, conservation area status, and Article 4 restrictions specific to South Hams.
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What can I build in South Hams?
| 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 (47), 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 (47), listed buildings |
| Side extension | Detached houses outside protected zones | Semi-detached properties (half-width rule) | Conservation areas (47), listed buildings |
| Loft conversion (dormer) | Houses outside conservation areas | Properties on prominent corners | Conservation areas, listed buildings, flats |
| Loft conversion (Velux/rooflight) | Most of South Hams | 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 South Hams (internal works) | If changing external appearance significantly | Listed buildings |
This is general guidance based on South Hams's planning constraints. Your specific property may differ — use our free PD checker to get a result tailored to your address.
Permitted development in South Hams
South Hams has 47 conservation areas but no Article 4 directions and no Green Belt, meaning standard PD rights apply outside conservation areas. The 2,667 listed buildings across the district mean many properties are listed or within listed building curtilages. The South Devon AONB covers much of the coastline, and properties in the northern part of the district may fall within Dartmoor National Park's jurisdiction. Outside these constraints, most residential properties benefit from full permitted development rights.
What South Hams expects from your project
Local Plan: South Hams and West Devon Joint Local Plan
The Joint Local Plan for South Hams and West Devon was adopted in April 2019. It provides a shared spatial strategy for both districts, directing growth to Plymouth's urban fringe and key rural towns such as Totnes, Kingsbridge and Ivybridge.
Emerging / replacement plan
Both authorities are reviewing the plan and preparing updates in light of national planning policy changes. A review programme is expected to be confirmed in 2025–2026.
47 conservation areas
South Hams 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 South Hams
47 designated conservation areas
The 47 conservation areas in South Hams protect some of Devon's most picturesque settlements — from the harbour towns of Salcombe, Dartmouth, and Kingsbridge to the medieval market town of Totnes and dozens of rural villages. The district's building traditions include slate, stone, cob, and render, with whitewashed cottages being particularly characteristic of the coastal villages. Properties in conservation areas face restrictions on extensions, dormers, and external alterations.
Article 4 directions in South Hams
Article 4 direction data for South Hams has not yet been published to the national planning data platform. This does not mean there are no Article 4 directions in this area. Contact South Hams's planning department directly or use our free PD checker to check whether your property is affected.
Listed buildings in South Hams
There are 2,667 listed buildings in South Hams. 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 South Hams's conservation team before starting any work on a listed property.
Planning application statistics
Year ending September 2025 | Source: MHCLG planning application statistics
South Hams received 1,181 planning applications and decided 1,065 in the year ending September 2025. The approval rate of 89.7% 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.
South Hams District Council received 1,181 planning applications in the year ending September 2025, with an 89.7% approval rate across 1,065 decisions. The council processed 500 householder applications. The approval rate reflects the balance between supporting development and protecting the district's outstanding natural and built environment.
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 South Hams
Browse what's been approved near you
Seeing what similar projects have been approved near your property can help you understand what South Hams expects in terms of scale, materials, and design. It's also useful for gauging how quickly the council processes applications.
Search planning applications on South Hams'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 South Hams
Housing Delivery Test 2023 measurement | Source: MHCLG
South Hams delivered 3,917 homes against a requirement of 3,477 over the three-year measurement period, giving a Housing Delivery Test score of 113%. This is above the 95% threshold, which means there are no government-imposed consequences for housing under-delivery. Planning applications in South Hams are assessed on their own merits under standard planning policies.
Lawful Development Certificates in South Hams
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is formal confirmation from South Hams 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.
South Hams decided 500 householder applications in the year ending september 2025. Their 8-week performance of 92.6% 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 South Hams
You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate through the Planning Portal or directly through South Hams'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
South Hams 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.
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Approval rates, decision patterns, Article 4 directions, fees & timelines, and council-specific tips for South Hams.
Pre-application advice in South Hams
South Hams 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 →South Hams District Council offers a paid pre-application advice service. Householder enquiries from around £120. Apply online through the council's planning pages.
Planning fees and timelines in South Hams
| 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 South Hams and may change. Building regulations fees are separate — see the building control section below.
Building regulations in South Hams
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 South Hams is provided by South Hams Building Control. You can also use a private approved inspector instead of the council's service.
Building control contact
South Hams District Council Building Control or approved private inspectors.
South Hams planning department
Your building project checklist for South Hams
- Check if your property is in a conservation area — South Hams has 47 conservation areas. Use our free checker or see the list above.
- Check for Article 4 directions at your address — Check your address for any restrictions.
- 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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