Planning Permission in Teignbridge
Non-Metropolitan District in South West · Last updated April 2026
Teignbridge is a large Devon district stretching from the edge of Dartmoor to the coast at Dawlish and Teignmouth. With 35 conservation areas, no Article 4 directions, and 1,843 listed buildings, the district combines the market town of Newton Abbot with attractive coastal and rural settlements.
The council processes around 740 applications annually with an 81.6% approval rate. Teignbridge's planning landscape is shaped by the proximity of Dartmoor National Park, the South Devon AONB, and the development pressures of the Exeter-Newton Abbot growth corridor.
Homeowners should consult the Teignbridge Local Plan for guidance. Properties near Dartmoor should check whether they fall within the National Park's jurisdiction.
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What can I build in Teignbridge?
| 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 (35), 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 (35), listed buildings |
| Side extension | Detached houses outside protected zones | Semi-detached properties (half-width rule) | Conservation areas (35), listed buildings |
| Loft conversion (dormer) | Houses outside conservation areas | Properties on prominent corners | Conservation areas, listed buildings, flats |
| Loft conversion (Velux/rooflight) | Most of Teignbridge | 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 Teignbridge (internal works) | If changing external appearance significantly | Listed buildings |
This is general guidance based on Teignbridge's planning constraints. Your specific property may differ — use our free PD checker to get a result tailored to your address.
Permitted development in Teignbridge
Teignbridge has 35 conservation areas but no Article 4 directions and no Green Belt, meaning standard PD rights apply to most properties outside conservation areas. The 1,843 listed buildings are the main additional constraint. Parts of the district are within the South Devon AONB, and properties near the northern boundary may fall within Dartmoor National Park's jurisdiction. The absence of Article 4 directions means that PD rights are relatively straightforward in most of the district.
What Teignbridge expects from your project
Local Plan: Teignbridge Local Plan 2013–2033
Teignbridge District adopted its Local Plan in May 2014. The district covers the South Devon coastal area including Newton Abbot, Teignmouth and Dawlish, and the Dartmoor fringe. The plan provides for over 12,000 new homes and 28 ha of employment land, with Newton Abbot as the principal centre.
Emerging / replacement plan
Teignbridge is preparing a new Local Plan. An Issues and Options consultation ran in 2022 and the council is working toward a Regulation 19 Pre-Submission plan in 2025–2026.
35 conservation areas
Teignbridge 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 Teignbridge
35 designated conservation areas
The 35 conservation areas in Teignbridge protect the character of the district's most important settlements — from the seaside towns of Dawlish and Teignmouth to the medieval cores of Chudleigh, Bovey Tracey, and Ashburton. The district's varied building traditions include Dartmoor granite, red sandstone, cob, and render. Properties in conservation areas face restrictions on extensions, dormers, and external alterations.
Article 4 directions in Teignbridge
1 Article 4 direction area
Listed buildings in Teignbridge
There are 1,843 listed buildings in Teignbridge. 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 Teignbridge's conservation team before starting any work on a listed property.
Planning application statistics
Year ending September 2025 | Source: MHCLG planning application statistics
Teignbridge received 742 planning applications and decided 766 in the year ending September 2025. The approval rate of 81.6% 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.
Teignbridge District Council received 742 planning applications in the year ending September 2025, with an 81.6% approval rate across 766 decisions. The council processed 334 householder applications. The lower approval rate compared to the national average reflects the combined constraints of the AONB, Dartmoor fringe, and heritage designations. Pre-application advice is recommended to improve chances of approval.
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 Teignbridge
Browse what's been approved near you
Seeing what similar projects have been approved near your property can help you understand what Teignbridge expects in terms of scale, materials, and design. It's also useful for gauging how quickly the council processes applications.
Search planning applications on Teignbridge'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 Teignbridge
Housing Delivery Test 2023 measurement | Source: MHCLG
Teignbridge delivered 1,670 homes against a requirement of 2,011 over the three-year measurement period, giving a Housing Delivery Test score of 83%. This is below the 85% threshold, which means Teignbridge must apply a 20% buffer when calculating its five-year housing land supply. This makes it harder for the council to demonstrate it has enough land allocated for housing, and if it cannot, planning policy carries less weight and the balance shifts in favour of granting permission. For homeowners, this can mean a more favourable climate for planning applications that involve new dwellings, such as building in your garden or converting outbuildings.
Lawful Development Certificates in Teignbridge
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is formal confirmation from Teignbridge 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.
Teignbridge decided 334 householder applications in the year ending september 2025. Their 8-week performance of 97.6% is above the national average of 93%, which suggests LDC applications are likely to be processed on time. LDC applications follow the same 8-week statutory determination period as householder planning applications.
How to apply for an LDC in Teignbridge
You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate through the Planning Portal or directly through Teignbridge'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
Teignbridge 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 Teignbridge.
Pre-application advice in Teignbridge
Teignbridge 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 →Teignbridge District Council offers a paid pre-application advice service. Householder enquiries from around £120. Apply online through the council's planning portal.
Planning fees and timelines in Teignbridge
| 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 Teignbridge and may change. Building regulations fees are separate — see the building control section below.
Building regulations in Teignbridge
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 Teignbridge is provided by Teignbridge Building Control. You can also use a private approved inspector instead of the council's service.
Building control contact
Teignbridge District Council Building Control or approved private inspectors.
Teignbridge planning department
Your building project checklist for Teignbridge
- Check if your property is in a conservation area — Teignbridge has 35 conservation areas. Use our free checker or see the list above.
- Check for Article 4 directions at your address — Teignbridge 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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