The Dartmoor Local Plan 2018-2036

The Dartmoor Local Plan 2018–2036 sets out the policies we use to determine planning applications across the National Park.  The Policies Map accompanies the Local Plan and is a spatial expression of some of the Local Plan policies. Both the Local Plan and the Policies Map should be read together.

If you want to find out more information on how we reviewed and adopted the Local Plan. Our background evidence and research section contains all the information which contributed to the production of the local plan.

Our supplementary planning documents provide guidance which is also a material consideration when we determine planning applications.

If you have any queries regarding the Local Plan or would like to order a copy please contact: forwardplanning@dartmoor.gov.uk

In some areas, a Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) also applies. Where this is the case, both the Local Plan and the relevant NDP policies are considered when making decisions.

Other policy and guidance we use

When assessing planning applications, we also consider:

• Dartmoor Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs)
• The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
• National Planning Practice Guidance (PPG)
• Site-specific plans and masterplans

All policies are supported by detailed evidence and research.

See our Planning Policy FAQs for answers to common queries about planning policy and the role of the Forward Planning team.

Emerging Dartmoor Local Plan

The current Local Plan was adopted in December 2021 and is therefore due for review. Work has begun on preparing the next iteration of the Local Plan and our Emerging Dartmoor Local Plan section provides details of the timetable and will be kept up to date with our progress and upcoming consultations

New climate change evidence

We’ve developed new evidence to help guide planning decisions on climate impacts. Read Dartmoor’s Greenhouse Gas Assessment, which measures the carbon footprint of resident and visitor activities across the National Park.

Monitoring

The performance of the Local Plan is monitored on a yearly basis. Our Authority Monitoring Reports consider the policy performance of the Local Plan across the National Park. The Infrastructure Funding Statement summarises financial and non-financial developer contributions for each year.

Statement of Community Involvement (SCI)

Recent legislative changes have replaced the ‘Statement of Community Involvement' with a Local Plan Engagement Strategy.

We are currently working on our Engagement Strategy. Information on how you can advise us on how best to engage with you will be published shortly on our Dartmoor Local Plan 2026 (emerging) section

Custom and Self-build Housing

We have set-up a register of people who are interested in self-build or custom build projects in this area. For more information on building your own home and to register your interest visit our Self-Build webpage.