The East Devon National Landscape is consulted by the Planning Authorities (East Devon District Council and Devon County Council) on developments within the National Landscape in accordance with an agreed protocol. Any comments in relation to landscape-impacts will be considered by the Planning Authority in the same way as other consultations.
It is important to stress that the National Landscape Partnership is not a statutory consultee and has no statutory planning function, unlike National Parks. The National Landscape Manager responds on behalf of the Partnership, where appropriate and as resource allows.
Consultation responses are made within the context of the Landscape Character Assessment for East Devon; identifying the landscape type the proposal is set within, its key features, and the recommended management guidelines for the maintenance of the landscape character.
Check whether your proposal will impact the area
Considering a development in or adjacent to the National Landscape?
To ensure a smooth planning process, applicants should use the relevant studies and guidance documents provided below. Your proposal should clearly demonstrate how it aligns with the current state of the National Landscape. Referencing these locally relevant plans is essential for showing that your development is sympathetic to the landscape character.
We recommend you review these key documents and websites:
East Devon National Landscape Planning Guidance
As a first step, we recommend that anyone wishing to understand development in or adjacent to the National Landscape, reads our planning guidance. This document has been developed to assist anyone preparing or considering proposals for development in the East Devon National Landscape.
East Devon National Landscape Management Plan 2025-2030
This provides further policy and outlines the vision and aims that East Devon District and Devon County Councils have for the National Landscape.
Landscape Character Assessment
Should be referred to as a guide to good quality development in keeping with the landscape character of the area.
The East Devon Local Plan 2013-2031
See the adopted Local Plan for 2013-2031 and the maps related to the Local Plan via East Devon District Council website. East Devon District Council is preparing a new Local Plan that is expected to ultimately replace the existing Local Plan. The new plan is proposed to cover the period from 2020 to 2042.
Environment and Green Infrastructure Evidence
Further to East Devon’s landscape quality, you can view the East Devon District Council website which provides the Green Infrastructure Strategy, biodiversity, Open Space Study and Playing Pitch Strategy.
Further East Devon National Landscape policies and advice:
Where appropriate, we will, develop local policy either for the East Devon National Landscape specifically or jointly with other parties.
Read the following key documents:
Development around Bats
Beer Quarry Caves is designated as a Special Area of Conservation due to its important population of hibernating greater horseshoe bats, lesser horseshoe bats and Bechstein’s bats. Those planning a development in the vicinity should consult the Beer Quarry & Caves Special Area of Conservation Habitats Regulations Assessment Guidance.
Equestrian development
If you’re planning a development related equine related activities such as new stables, field shelters or riding arenas, you can access our Equestrian development guidance. The guidance should be seen as providing good-practice advice from the East Devon National Landscape Partnership and will be used if providing comments on planning applications.
Neighbourhood Plan Guidance
There is great interest in developing Neighbourhood Plans as a way of helping local communities influence the planning of the area in which they live and work. We have produced a simple guidance note on National Landscape considerations to aid local communities in developing their Neighbourhood Plans.