Planning Permission in West Devon
Non-Metropolitan District in South West · Last updated April 2026
West Devon is a rural borough on the western edge of Devon, dominated by Dartmoor and the Tamar Valley. With 24 conservation areas, no Article 4 directions, and 1,417 listed buildings, the borough's planning landscape is shaped by its proximity to Dartmoor National Park and the Tamar Valley AONB.
The council processes around 400 applications annually with an 82.3% approval rate. West Devon's planning context combines the historic market town of Tavistock with small rural communities, many of which sit on the fringes of Dartmoor where landscape sensitivity is high.
Homeowners should check whether their property falls within Dartmoor National Park (handled by the NPA) or West Devon's jurisdiction. Consult the Plymouth and South West Devon Joint Local Plan for guidance.
Planning a project in West Devon? Start here.
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What can I build in West Devon?
| 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 (24), 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 (24), listed buildings |
| Side extension | Detached houses outside protected zones | Semi-detached properties (half-width rule) | Conservation areas (24), listed buildings |
| Loft conversion (dormer) | Houses outside conservation areas | Properties on prominent corners | Conservation areas, listed buildings, flats |
| Loft conversion (Velux/rooflight) | Most of West Devon | 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 West Devon (internal works) | If changing external appearance significantly | Listed buildings |
This is general guidance based on West Devon's planning constraints. Your specific property may differ — use our free PD checker to get a result tailored to your address.
Permitted development in West Devon
West Devon has 24 conservation areas but no Article 4 directions and no Green Belt, so standard PD rights apply outside conservation areas. The 1,417 listed buildings are the main additional constraint. A significant portion of the borough falls within Dartmoor National Park, where the NPA handles planning. The Tamar Valley AONB covers parts of the western boundary. Outside these designations, most residential properties benefit from full permitted development rights.
What West Devon expects from your project
Local Plan: South Hams and West Devon Joint Local Plan
West Devon Borough forms part of the South Hams and West Devon Joint Local Plan, adopted in April 2019 alongside South Hams District Council. The plan provides a shared spatial strategy for both districts, with West Devon's key growth locations being Tavistock and Okehampton alongside the Plymouth city region fringe. Much of the borough is within Dartmoor National Park.
Emerging / replacement plan
West Devon is reviewing the joint Local Plan alongside South Hams. A review programme is expected to be confirmed in 2025–2026.
24 conservation areas
West Devon 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 West Devon
24 designated conservation areas
The 24 conservation areas in West Devon protect the character of the borough's most important settlements — from the stannary town of Tavistock with its distinctive stone architecture to the rural villages of the Tamar valley and Dartmoor fringe. The district's building traditions include granite, slate, cob, and render. Properties in conservation areas face restrictions on extensions, dormers, and external alterations.
Article 4 directions in West Devon
Article 4 direction data for West Devon 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 West Devon's planning department directly or use our free PD checker to check whether your property is affected.
Listed buildings in West Devon
There are 1,417 listed buildings in West Devon. 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 West Devon's conservation team before starting any work on a listed property.
Planning application statistics
Year ending September 2025 | Source: MHCLG planning application statistics
West Devon received 399 planning applications and decided 367 in the year ending September 2025. The approval rate of 82.3% 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.
West Devon Borough Council received 399 planning applications in the year ending September 2025, with an 82.3% approval rate across 367 decisions. The council processed 124 householder applications. The lower approval rate reflects the landscape sensitivity of the Dartmoor fringe and AONB, where development proposals are carefully scrutinised. Pre-application advice is recommended.
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 West Devon
Browse what's been approved near you
Seeing what similar projects have been approved near your property can help you understand what West Devon expects in terms of scale, materials, and design. It's also useful for gauging how quickly the council processes applications.
Search planning applications on West Devon'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 West Devon
Housing Delivery Test 2023 measurement | Source: MHCLG
West Devon 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 West Devon are assessed on their own merits under standard planning policies.
Lawful Development Certificates in West Devon
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is formal confirmation from West Devon 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.
West Devon decided 124 householder applications in the year ending september 2025. Their 8-week performance of 94.4% 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 West Devon
You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate through the Planning Portal or directly through West Devon'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
West Devon 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
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Approval rates, decision patterns, Article 4 directions, fees & timelines, and council-specific tips for West Devon.
Pre-application advice in West Devon
West Devon 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 →West Devon Borough 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 West Devon
| 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 West Devon and may change. Building regulations fees are separate — see the building control section below.
Building regulations in West Devon
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 West Devon is provided by West Devon Building Control. You can also use a private approved inspector instead of the council's service.
Building control contact
West Devon Borough Council Building Control or approved private inspectors.
West Devon planning department
Your building project checklist for West Devon
- Check if your property is in a conservation area — West Devon has 24 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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