A new study has revealed that north west Devon is one of the best places in the UK to secure planning permission for a housing project. 

The study, from property experts GetAgent, looked at the percentage of planning applications in each area of the UK that had been approved, including extensions, renovations and developments. 

The district of Torridge was rated as the third easiest area to obtain planning permission, with 98.67 per cent of all applications being approved. 

The regions as only topped by Copeland in Western Cumbria (99.65 per cent) and Richmondshire in North Yorkshire (98.68 per cent) 

Torridge was the only Devon area to make the top 25, and one of only five South West spots on the list.  

Planning applications recently approved by Torridge District Council include home extensions, outbuilding conversions and solar panel installations. 

Colby Short, CEO and cofounder of GetAgent commented: “Getting your planning application approved can be a tricky and timely process, however there are ways to ensure you stand the best chance to get the green light to go ahead with your proposed plans.

“Hiring an architect who has detailed knowledge in this area will really help you make sure you’re on the right track, as they can highlight any potential issues authorities might have with your plans, and suggest ways to adapt your application to make sure you have the best chance of getting an approval. 

“Another way to help you get approved is to do some research on similar plans within your area, and talk to your neighbours who may have recently undergone building work.”