Significant development opportunities across Devon

A review of the most recently published figures from each local authority in Devon shows that all areas are falling short of meeting their five-year housing land supply requirements.

With East Devon (2.97 years), Plymouth, South Hams and West Devon (2.53 years) and Torbay (2.69 years) reporting the most significant land supply shortfalls in Devon, the table below details current reported land supply figures for the county:

Council(s)	Supply
East Devon	2.97 years
Exeter	4 years 3.2 months
Mid Devon	4.79 years
Plymouth, South Hams and West Devon	2.53 years
Torbay	2.69 years
Torridge & North Devon	4.86 years

These shortfalls present significant opportunities for landowners and developers seeking planning permission for housing in locations that are, or can be made, sustainable.

Where a local authority cannot demonstrate a five-year supply of deliverable housing sites, national planning policy requires decision-makers to apply the 'tilted balance' when assessing applications. This means that planning permission should be granted unless the adverse impacts of doing so would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, or where specific policies in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) provide a clear reason for refusal (such as in protected areas).

In practical terms, this could result in Councils being required to take a more flexible approach to development proposals, including those located outside of defined settlement boundaries.

If you would like to explore potential development opportunities in Devon, Salmon Planning + Architecture's team of chartered planning consultants and architects are well placed to offer expert planning advice and in-house architectural services.

With offices in Somerset and Devon we operate across the South West.

Do not hesitate to contact us on 01749 671500 or email info@salmonplanning.co.uk

Contact Us