Teignbridge Local Plan is 'sound'

The Teignbridge Local Plan 2020-2040, which will shape the development of Teignbridge until 2040, is one step closer to formal adoption after being found sound by government Planning Inspectors.

In its final report on the Teignbridge Local Plan 2020-2040 published this week, government Planning Inspectors said the plan is ‘sound and legally compliant subject to small number of modifications’.

Nationally, only around a third of Local Planning Authorities currently have an up-to-date Local Plan in place, making this outcome a significant achievement for Teignbridge and a foundation for delivering sustainable, well-designed places for current and future generations.

The Inspectors’ findings mark the successful conclusion of several years’ work in developing a Local Plan that can meet the needs of Teignbridge’s communities, economy and environment well into the future.

The modifications, set out alongside the Inspectors’ final report, are largely clarifications and do not change the Plan’s overall strategy, policies or development site locations.

The Local Plan guides where new homes, jobs, infrastructure and services should go - setting planning rules to shape how our local area develops. It lays out a clear framework for future development across the district (outside of Dartmoor National Park) and includes strong policies to:

• Secure between 20% to 30% Affordable Housing on new developments, with a greater emphasis on social rent
• Support the council’s net zero carbon ambitions, including higher standards for new buildings, support for low-carbon energy generation and storage, and opportunities for wind energy
• Protect the character of coastal communities and ensures that any new homes built are not occupied as holiday homes through a primary residence policy
• Promote high-quality design through a district Design Code
• Encourage sustainable and active travel, enhance green infrastructure and strengthen protections for wildlife

Teignbridge’s Local Plan has been under preparation since 2018 and has involved eight rounds of public consultation, working with local members, town and parish councils, community groups, developers, statutory bodies, and neighbouring authorities.

This series of Local Plan consultations has given voice to residents, businesses, and communities, who have shared their aspirations and concerns on issues such as affordable housing, climate change, design quality, infrastructure, and the future of our towns, villages and countryside.

The Inspectorate commended Teignbridge District Council for the way it worked proactively and constructively with partners under the Duty to Co-operate - and highlighted also that the modifications required make no significant changes to strategy or site choices - a clear indication that the Plan is robust.

Inspectors also recognised the robust evidence base underpinning the Plan, which allocates sufficient land to meet housing and employment needs while ensuring development is well planned and supported by infrastructure.

With the Inspectors’ Report now received, the next step is for Full Council on 19 May 2026 to formally adopt the Local Plan. Once adopted, it will become the main basis for deciding planning applications across Teignbridge (outside of the Dartmoor National Park), setting the course for sustainable, climate ready and community-focused growth until 2040.