Planning Consultants in Devon
Devon contains two National Parks — Dartmoor and Exmoor — and extensive National Landscape coverage along its coastline. Planning in Devon must navigate National Park policy, high-quality agricultural land protection, coastal flood risk, and strong heritage assets in Exeter, Plymouth, and the historic fishing ports. Farm diversification, rural tourism, and equestrian development are common planning matters.
Common in Devon
Local planning authority: Devon County Council, district councils, Dartmoor National Park Authority, and Exmoor National Park Authority
Planning Consultants in Devon
We advise farmers, landowners, tourism businesses, developers and homeowners across Devon, including Exeter, Plymouth, Torbay and the market towns.
Applications are decided by the district, city and unitary councils, each with its own local plan, while Dartmoor and Exmoor National Park Authorities decide applications inside the parks. In July 2026 the Government chose to reorganise Devon into four unitary councils, but it paused that decision in September 2026 pending a review, so the existing councils remain the planning authorities and May 2027 elections will take place on existing boundaries.
Around the Exe Estuary and Dawlish Warren, new homes contribute to the South East Devon habitat mitigation strategy. Five National Landscapes, including the North and South Devon coasts, cover much of the county, and coastal sites often need flood risk and coastal change assessment. Farm diversification, holiday accommodation, agricultural buildings and rural workers' dwellings are common rural work.
Site in a flood zone?
Development in Flood Zones 2 and 3 usually needs a flood risk Sequential Test. For sites in Plymouth we offer a fixed-fee Sequential Test for £300, delivered within 24 hours of payment.
Planning Services in Devon
Urban Vista Planning provides the full range of planning consultancy services to clients across Devon — from homeowners and landowners to developers and businesses. Our Chartered Town Planners are MRTPI-accredited and experienced in dealing with the planning authorities operating in Devon.
- Planning permission applications
- Pre-application advice
- Planning appeals
- Permitted development assessments
- Lawful Development Certificates
- Change of use applications
- Heritage and listed building consent
- Ecology & Biodiversity Net Gain
- Highways and transport assessments
- Infrastructure consenting
- Equestrian and rural planning
- Discharge of planning conditions
Why Urban Vista Planning?
MRTPI & MCIHT Accredited
Our Chartered Town Planners and specialist associates are accredited and regulated by their professional bodies, including the RTPI and CIHT.
UK-Wide Coverage
We advise clients across England and Wales, including Devon, from our offices in Taplow (Buckinghamshire), Leeds, and Hereford.
Free Initial Consultation
We provide an honest initial view of your project — what is achievable, the best consenting route, and likely timescales — at no charge.
Full-Service Consultancy
We manage the entire planning process: application preparation, specialist coordination, authority engagement, and conditions discharge.
Key Planning Constraints in Devon
These designations and policy issues shape what can be built in Devon. Identifying them early is the single most effective way to avoid delay, invalid applications and refusal.
Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks
Two National Park Authorities determine applications within their boundaries.
Exe Estuary and Dawlish Warren SPA
New homes near the estuary contribute to the South East Devon Habitat Mitigation strategy.
Five National Landscapes
Devon contains all or part of five National Landscapes, including the South Devon and North Devon coasts.
Coastal change and flood risk
Coastal and estuarine sites often require coastal change and flood risk assessments.
Infrastructure & Energy Planning in Devon
Devon's infrastructure pipeline includes the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, grid reinforcement, solar and battery storage, and port and marine projects. Landscape and coastal designations make careful site selection essential. We advise on consenting routes and on coordinating landscape and ecology evidence for infrastructure projects.
Planning in Devon: FAQs
Who decides planning applications in Devon?
The district or city council for most sites, Plymouth City Council or Torbay Council in their areas, and Dartmoor or Exmoor National Park Authority inside the National Parks. Devon County Council decides minerals, waste and its own developments.
Is local government in Devon being reorganised?
Possibly. The Government chose a four-unitary model in July 2026 but paused that decision in September 2026 while it reviews reorganisation after new legal advice. Until a final decision is implemented, existing councils decide applications.
What is the South East Devon habitat mitigation contribution?
New homes within 10 kilometres of the Exe Estuary or the Dawlish Warren Special Area of Conservation pay a contribution towards measures that manage recreational pressure on these protected sites. It is usually secured before permission is granted.
Which council deals with planning applications in Devon?
Planning applications in Devon are determined by the local planning authority for the site — Devon County Council, district councils, Dartmoor National Park Authority, and Exmoor National Park Authority. Where a site lies within a National Park, the National Park Authority is the planning authority instead.
What are the main planning constraints in Devon?
Key constraints in Devon include Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks; Exe Estuary and Dawlish Warren SPA; Five National Landscapes; Coastal change and flood risk. We identify which apply to your site at the outset so they can be addressed in the application rather than discovered during determination.
Do you advise on infrastructure and energy projects in Devon?
Devon's infrastructure pipeline includes the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, grid reinforcement, solar and battery storage, and port and marine projects. Landscape and coastal designations make careful site selection essential. We advise on consenting routes and on coordinating landscape and ecology evidence for infrastructure projects.
Other Areas We Cover in the South West
Need a Planning Consultant in Devon?
Book a free initial consultation — we will give you a clear view of your options and the best route forward.