The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requires councils to encourage the effective use of land within settlements by reusing land that has been previously developed (brownfield land).

Local authorities are legally required to prepare, maintain and publish a brownfield land register of sites, with the requirements set out in The Town and Country Planning (Brownfield Land Register) Regulations 2017. Registers are intended to help builders to identify potentially suitable brownfield sites for housing development. The register is provided in a common format so that it can be collated by interested parties including the Government. 

To be included on a register, a site must be:

• at least 0.25 hectares or capable of supporting at least 5 dwellings;
• the land is suitable for residential development;
• the land is available for residential development; and
• residential development is achievable.

All sites must be 'previously developed land' as per the definition provided in Annexe 2 to the National Planning Policy Framework.

The Register is kept in two parts:

• Part One (csv file, 27 KB) includes previously developed land that is identified as being suitable, available and achievable for residential development, as per the criteria above.
• Part Two of the Register is optional and allows local planning authorities to select sites from Part One and grant permission in principle (PiP) for housing-led development. PiP will establish the fundamental principles of development in terms of the use, location and amount of development. However, planning permission is not granted until Technical Details Consent is applied for and approved by the local planning authority. The Council does not currently have any sites on Part Two of the Register.

The Register is reviewed at least once a year to make sure it is kept up to date. The register was last updated December 2024.

A site plan for each site on the register can be accessed via the web address contained in the register or in the downloads section of this page. The register may be accessed directly via https://www.torridge.gov.uk/media/21468/Brownfield-Land-Register/csv/brownfield-land.csv?m=637753497090400000.

All data is published under the Open Government Licence.

Submit a site for the register

If you have previously developed land and buildings which have the potential to be used for housing in the future we would like to hear from you so that we can add it to part one of the register. This information will then be added to information we already have in our Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) and identified from other sources.

This will allow us to gain a full and comprehensive understanding of the extent of available and suitable previously developed land in the area. It will also help with any future review of the Local Plan or inform a Neighbourhood Plan.

In accordance with the regulations, sites should ideally be 0.25 hectares or larger, or capable of providing at least 5 dwellings. Site submissions must also include a map, plan or aerial photograph clearly showing the site's boundaries. A separate form and map are required for each site being submitted. Where it is not possible to complete a form in full or you are unsure as to whether the above criteria would be met, any details of potential sites will be welcomed.

By Email / Post

Details of sites may also be provided by completing a form, which is available in both paper and electronic formats.  Copies can be downloaded below or alternatively paper versions can be made available on request from the council offices.

•     Site Submission Form (PDF, 700 KB)(opens in new tab) (Adobe PDF)
•     Additional Landowner Form (PDF, 47 KB)(opens in new tab) (Adobe PDF)

The form has been prepared so that it can be filled out on the computer and saved electronically for submission by email, or alternatively, it is suitable for printing, filling out by hand and sending back by post.

Submissions can be provided:

• by email to: localplan@torridge.gov.uk
• by post or in person to: Planning Policy, Torridge District Council, Riverbank House, Bideford, EX39 2QG

Sites put forward which meet the definition of brownfield (above) will be assessed in terms of whether they are:

• Suitable (appropriate for residential development)
• Achievable (development is likely to take place within 15 years of the entry date on the register)

We may then need to contact you for additional information. Sites listed within the Brownfield Land Register are expected to be subject to the approval of further details prior to development taking place.

As part of any future reviews of the Brownfield Land Register, we would welcome the submission of information to update the Councils on a site(s) already included on the Registers. If there are any changes to a site following its submission please let us know and provide a brief explanation of any changes. If the boundary of a site changes we would be grateful for an up-to-date map and a brief explanation of any differences. We also need to know if the site is no longer available so it can be removed from the register. This can be done by contacting us using the details shown below.

If details of a site are provided it doesn't automatically mean that it will be added to the register or granted planning permission in the future.

Get in touch

If you have any questions or queries please get in touch using the details shown below:

Planning Policy
Torridge District Council
Riverbank House
Bideford
EX39 2QG

01237 428700

localplan@torridge.gov.uk