Planning Permission in Torridge
Non-Metropolitan District in South West · Last updated April 2026
Torridge is a large rural district in north-west Devon, covering a mix of dramatic coastline, rolling farmland, and historic market towns. With 20 conservation areas, no Article 4 directions, and 1,850 listed buildings, the district includes the historic ports of Bideford and Appledore, the market town of Great Torrington, and the North Devon AONB coastline.
The council handles around 676 applications annually with an 88.7% approval rate. Torridge shares its local plan with North Devon, and the planning landscape is shaped by the North Devon AONB, the rural economy, and the need to support sustainable communities in a sparsely populated area.
Homeowners should consult the North Devon and Torridge Local Plan for guidance on development in their area.
Planning a project in Torridge? Start here.
Enter your address to check your permitted development rights, conservation area status, and Article 4 restrictions specific to Torridge.
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What can I build in Torridge?
| Project type | Likely permitted development | May need planning permission | Likely needs planning permission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear extension (single storey) | Most of Torridge outside protected zones | Properties near boundaries | Conservation areas (20), listed buildings |
| Rear extension (two storey) | Most of Torridge outside protected zones, if within 3m limit | Check distance to boundary ≥7m | Conservation areas (20), listed buildings |
| Side extension | Detached houses outside protected zones | Semi-detached properties (half-width rule) | Conservation areas (20), listed buildings |
| Loft conversion (dormer) | Houses outside conservation areas | Properties on prominent corners | Conservation areas, listed buildings, flats |
| Loft conversion (Velux/rooflight) | Most of Torridge | Front-facing rooflights in conservation areas | Listed buildings |
| Outbuilding / garden office | Most of Torridge 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 Torridge (internal works) | If changing external appearance significantly | Listed buildings |
This is general guidance based on Torridge's planning constraints. Your specific property may differ — use our free PD checker to get a result tailored to your address.
Permitted development in Torridge
Torridge has a relatively permissive PD landscape, with 20 conservation areas but no Article 4 directions and no Green Belt. Standard permitted development rights apply to most properties outside conservation areas. The 1,850 listed buildings are the main additional constraint. Part of the coastline falls within the North Devon AONB, where landscape impact is a consideration for planning applications but PD rights are unaffected.
What Torridge expects from your project
Local Plan: North Devon and Torridge Local Plan 2011–2031
Torridge District forms part of the North Devon and Torridge Joint Local Plan, adopted in October 2018 alongside North Devon District Council. The plan sets a shared spatial strategy for both districts, directing significant growth to Bideford, Holsworthy and the rural market towns, with protective policies for the North Devon Coast AONB.
Emerging / replacement plan
Torridge is reviewing the joint Local Plan alongside North Devon. A Regulation 18 consultation is anticipated in 2025–2026.
32 Article 4 directions
Torridge has applied Article 4 directions to 32 areas, which remove certain permitted development rights in those zones. Use our free checker to see if your property is affected.
Conservation areas in Torridge
20 designated conservation areas
The 20 conservation areas in Torridge protect the character of the district's most important historic settlements — from the medieval port of Bideford and the shipbuilding village of Appledore to the market town of Great Torrington and rural villages across the Torridge valley. The district's building traditions include cob, stone, slate, and render. Properties in conservation areas face restrictions on extensions, dormers, and external alterations.
Article 4 directions in Torridge
32 Article 4 direction areas
Listed buildings in Torridge
There are 1,850 listed buildings in Torridge. 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 Torridge's conservation team before starting any work on a listed property.
Planning application statistics
Year ending September 2025 | Source: MHCLG planning application statistics
Torridge received 676 planning applications and decided 600 in the year ending September 2025. The approval rate of 88.7% 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.
Torridge District Council received 676 planning applications in the year ending September 2025, with an 88.7% approval rate across 600 decisions. The council processed 173 householder applications. The approval rate is close to the national average. The council shares its planning services with North Devon and operates efficiently with a high delegation rate.
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 Torridge
Browse what's been approved near you
Seeing what similar projects have been approved near your property can help you understand what Torridge expects in terms of scale, materials, and design. It's also useful for gauging how quickly the council processes applications.
Search planning applications on Torridge'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 Torridge
Housing Delivery Test 2023 measurement | Source: MHCLG
Torridge delivered 2,428 homes against a requirement of 2,030 over the three-year measurement period, giving a Housing Delivery Test score of 120%. This is above the 95% threshold, which means there are no government-imposed consequences for housing under-delivery. Planning applications in Torridge are assessed on their own merits under standard planning policies.
Lawful Development Certificates in Torridge
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is formal confirmation from Torridge 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.
Torridge decided 173 householder applications in the year ending september 2025. Their 8-week performance of 97.7% 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 Torridge
You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate through the Planning Portal or directly through Torridge'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
Torridge 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 Torridge needs planning permission.
FROM £39Permitted Development Certificate Report
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£49Torridge Local Authority Report
Approval rates, decision patterns, Article 4 directions, fees & timelines, and council-specific tips for Torridge.
Pre-application advice in Torridge
Torridge 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 →Torridge District Council offers a paid pre-application advice service. Householder enquiries from around £100. Apply through the council's planning portal.
Planning fees and timelines in Torridge
| 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 Torridge and may change. Building regulations fees are separate — see the building control section below.
Building regulations in Torridge
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 Torridge is provided by Torridge Building Control. You can also use a private approved inspector instead of the council's service.
Building control contact
Torridge District Council Building Control or approved private inspectors.
Torridge planning department
Your building project checklist for Torridge
- Check if your property is in a conservation area — Torridge has 20 conservation areas. Use our free checker or see the list above.
- Check for Article 4 directions at your address — Torridge has 32 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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