Bid to revamp two North Devon town centres with free commercial planning advice

Businesses and developers looking to invest in Barnstaple and Ilfracombe town centres can now get free planning advice before they submit an application, thanks to a new scheme from North Devon Council.

The council will be allowing free initial enquiries for commercial use and mixed use developments for a 12-month period from September 22.

It is hoped the initiative will help encourage investment and development in the towns' high streets, as well as reduce the number of vacant units.

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By waiving the fee for initial planning advice, the council hopes to make it easier for businesses and developers to explore the potential of a property without the initial financial commitment.

Enquiries are accepted from properties in Barnstaple and Ilfracombe's town centres. Pure residential schemes are not included.

Councillor Malcolm Prowse said: “Our high streets are at the heart of our communities and we want them to remain vibrant and cherished places for everyone, even as people's shopping habits change.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to get valuable planning advice at no cost and to help us work towards a bright future for our high streets. We hope that by introducing this scheme, businesses can feel empowered to discover what they can achieve with a property.”

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For more information about the scheme, people are invited to email planning@northdevon.gov.uk

Information about the council's pre-application service, including charges, can be found at https://www.northdevon.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/pre-application-advice