How long do planning decisions take near Barnstaple?

The average planning decision time near Barnstaple is 75 days. The statutory target is 8 weeks (56 days) for minor applications and 13 weeks for major applications.

What is the planning approval rate near Barnstaple?

The planning approval rate near Barnstaple is 97%. The national average across England and Wales is approximately 87%.

What types of planning applications are most common near Barnstaple?

The most common type of planning application near Barnstaple is listed building consent applications, with 17 submissions in the last 24 months.

How can I track planning applications near Barnstaple?

You can search and track planning applications near Barnstaple on Planning Signal. Create a free account to save searches, watch specific applications, and receive email alerts when new plans are submitted nearby.

Barnstaple, Devon Planning Applications

Recent planning applications near Barnstaple, Devon.

Devon · England · Town

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About Barnstaple

Barnstaple, located in North Devon, England, is a historic town positioned at the River Taw's lowest crossing point before it meets the Bristol Channel. Originally flourishing from the 14th century through the wool trade, the town evolved as its harbour silted, giving rise to industries like shipbuilding, foundries, and sawmills. Notably, Barnstaple features a Victorian market building with an impressive glass and timber roof supported by iron columns, adding to its architectural charm and significance for planning applications in the area.

Population: 24,094 (2021) · Area: 8.7 km²

District: North Devon

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Town Insights

Property Prices

Average property sale price: £274,600 (based on 50 recent transactions from HM Land Registry).

Area Information

Admin district: North Devon
Parliamentary constituency: North Devon
LSOA: North Devon 009A

Crime Statistics

256 crimes reported in 2026-03.

Crime Breakdown

violent-crime: 106
shoplifting: 43
anti-social-behaviour: 29
public-order: 21
other-theft: 14
criminal-damage-arson: 13
drugs: 12
robbery: 6
other-crime: 4
burglary: 3
possession-of-weapons: 2
theft-from-the-person: 2
bicycle-theft: 1

Flood Risk

No active flood warnings near Barnstaple.

Keyword Scorecard

Planning constraint analysis based on the last 24 months of applications near Barnstaple.

Ecology & Wildlife Constraints (keywords: bats, bat survey, bat roost, great crested newt, GCN...)
Trees & Landscape (keywords: tree preservation order, TPO, arboricultural, tree survey, root protection area...)
Flood & Drainage (keywords: flood zone 2, flood zone 3, flood risk assessment, FRA, surface water...)
Heritage & Conservation (keywords: listed building, grade II, grade II*, grade I, conservation area...)
Green Belt (keywords: green belt, inappropriate development, very special circumstances, openness)
Highways & Access (keywords: visibility splays, highway authority objection, access arrangement, parking provision, transport statement...)
Refusal & Risk Indicators (keywords: refusal, delegated refusal, appeal dismissed, overdevelopment, character and appearance...)
Planning Process & Appeals (keywords: appeal lodged, appeal allowed, appeal dismissed, public inquiry, inspector)

Planning Activity Summary

Approval rates, average decision times, and application type distribution for Barnstaple based on the last 24 months of planning data.

Nearby Applications

5 planning applications found near Barnstaple.

- 8 Sunset Heights Barnstaple Devon EX32 8DH
Rear extension and alterations to dwelling
Status: Undecided | Type: Full | Council: North Devon | Date: 2026-03-16
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- Derby Laceworks Vicarage Street Barnstaple Devon EX32 7FL
Approval of details in respect of discharge of condition 23 (refuse storage) & 25 (noise mitigation) attached to planning permission 73654 (Erection of 65 new homes, comprising 43 new build houses alo
Status: Undecided | Type: Conditions | Council: North Devon | Date: 2026-02-12
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- 12 St Marys Road Barnstaple Devon EX32 7EY
Existing alteration to conservatory (amended description)
Status: Permitted | Type: Amendment | Council: North Devon | Date: 2026-01-28
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- Claude Dix Close Barnstaple Devon EX31 4HU
Application for consent for works to trees covered by a tree preservation order 194 in respect of T1: (BNST044) - Oak Tree - crown lift to 4m and remove deadwood.
Status: Permitted | Type: Trees | Council: North Devon | Date: 2026-01-16
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- Derby Works Vicarage Street Barnstaple Devon EX32 7HA
Non-material amendment to permissions 73654 & 73665 to allow a change the proposed window frame colours from grey to white on the new build affordable
Status: Permitted | Type: Amendment | Council: North Devon | Date: 2024-02-02
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A brief summary of Barnstaple in Devon

Barnstaple covers an area of approximately 8.7 km². The surrounding landscape and character of the area play an important role in how planning applications are assessed by the local authority.

Property prices in Barnstaple show an average sale price of £274,600, based on 50 recent transactions recorded by HM Land Registry.

The Barnstaple area recorded 256 crimes in the most recent reporting period. As with any urban or suburban area, prospective residents may wish to review the detailed crime breakdown for further context.

Barnstaple has 5 conservation areas within its boundaries: Barnstaple - Rumsam, Barnstaple - Newport, Barnstaple - Ebberly Lawn, Barnstaple - Town Centre, Barnstaple - Pilton. Planning applications within or near these conservation areas are subject to additional scrutiny to preserve the architectural and historic character of the area. Homeowners and developers should be aware that permitted development rights may be restricted.

Ecology & Nature Designations

The area around Barnstaple includes 1 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI): Bradiford Valley SSSI; 1 Ancient Woodland site. These designations may affect planning decisions, as proposals near protected sites require environmental impact assessment and may face additional restrictions.

For anyone interested in property development or monitoring local planning decisions, Barnstaple planning applications can be searched by entering a local postcode above. Results include full application details, decision status, and the ability to track applications over time and set planning alerts to help you monitor and review pending planning applications.

Planning Activity in Barnstaple

In the last 24 months, 53 planning applications were submitted near Barnstaple. Of these, 97% were approved, with an average decision time of 75 days.

This is notably above the national average of approximately 87%, suggesting a relatively permissive planning environment. Applicants near Barnstaple may find that well-prepared applications have a strong chance of success.

The average decision period of 75 days exceeds the 8-week target for minor applications but falls within the 13-week target for major schemes. Applicants should plan for approximately 11 weeks from submission to decision.

The most common application types near Barnstaple were listed building and heritage (17), full planning applications (15), tree works (6). The high proportion of heritage applications reflects the historic character of the area and the presence of listed buildings or conservation areas nearby.

In terms of development scale, 1 large-scale (major) development, 9 medium-scale applications, 43 smaller schemes were submitted.

Application Outcomes

Approved: 31 applications
Refused: 0 applications
Withdrawn: 1 application
Awaiting decision: 21 applications

Nearby Towns

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Related Planning Guides

What Is Planning Permission in the UK? — Planning permission is the formal approval you need from your local council before making certain changes to a building or piece of land.
What Is Permitted Development? — Permitted development rights allow certain building works and changes of use without the need to apply for planning permission.
How Long Does Planning Permission Take? — Typical timelines for planning permission decisions in the UK, from submission to approval, and what can cause delays.