Local List brings clarity to northern Devon planning submissions

Submitting a planning application in northern Devon has been made simpler thanks to new guidance from North Devon and Torridge district councils.

North Devon Council and Torridge District Council have worked together to produce a new Local List, a checklist designed to simplify the planning process across northern Devon.

The Local List shows what information you need to provide when submitting a planning application to either council. It has been prepared to help developers by providing clear information about what should be submitted with each type of application.

The checklist takes account of policy at national and local level provided by the National Planning Policy Framework and the North Devon and Torridge Local Plan 2011-2031.

Until now the councils have had their own respective checklists for applicants. By working together, it is hoped the new Local List, which came into effect on 1 November 2022, will make submitting planning applications simpler and more consistent for customers.

Lead Member for Economic Development and Strategic Planning Policy at North Devon Council, Councillor Malcolm Prowse, says:

"The Local List is a vital document for anyone submitting a planning application in northern Devon. By checking against it, applicants are making sure their submissions are valid and adhere to national and local policy. The new Local List is a great example of our two councils working together to make the planning process easier and more consistent for customers and reduce the number of invalid submissions each council receives."

Lead Member for Planning and Development at Torridge District Council, Councillor Pete Watson, says: "It's important to have a consistent approach to planning in northern Devon and this has for some time been underscored by the two authorities combining to produce a local plan for the whole area. The Local List builds on this and when followed correctly will ensure we can process applications efficiently and accurately by having all the relevant information submitted right from the start. It's a must read for anyone submitting or thinking of submitting a planning application to the authority."  

The Local List is available to download from the North Devon Council website and the Torridge District Council website

Nov 22