Filming in North Devon: permits and fees
North Devon District Council manages filming on council land and public spaces across the district, coordinating access to Woolacombe Beach, Appledore, and the Heddon Valley on Exmoor's northern edge.
Who issues permits
North Devon District Council’s filming team handles applications for council-managed public spaces, beaches, car parks, and highways within the district. For Exmoor filming, the Exmoor National Park Authority is the relevant body for moorland and National Trust locations. Devon County Council manages the highway network and road closure orders.
Process
Contact the council’s filming team with full production details and proposed dates. Allow three weeks for standard applications. Beach filming at Woolacombe requires coordination with the beach ranger service, particularly during the peak summer season (June–September) when public access restrictions are tighter. Appledore quay and riverside filming requires liaison with the harbour authority at Bideford.
Fees
Fees are set per application and depend on the scale and impact of the production. Beach and car park hire carries location fees. Highway closures involve Devon County Council’s traffic management charges. Contact the council for a quotation based on your specific production requirements.
What’s covered
District council beaches including Woolacombe Beach, Croyde, Saunton Sands, and Instow. District parks and public open spaces. Appledore village and quayside. Car parks and council buildings. The council does not manage Exmoor National Park land or National Trust properties.
Typical restrictions
Summer beach filming (June–September) is heavily constrained by public access and beach safety requirements. Woolacombe and Croyde are extremely popular visitor destinations; advance booking is essential. The North Devon Coast AONB and Exmoor National Park have strict environmental protections — drone use and large unit bases on coastal paths require additional permissions. The Hunters Inn at Heddon Valley operates on Exmoor and requires National Park Authority coordination alongside the Exmoor National Park ranger team.
Contact
Apply via North Devon District Council → northdevon.gov.uk
FAQ
- Who issues this filming permit?
- North Devon District Council issues filming permits for its area. Applications go through the council's filming / events team — not the local parks department or police, although those may also be consulted.
- How long is the lead time?
- Allow at least 21 working days. Complex applications involving road closures, drone use, or multiple locations need more — plan 2–4 weeks ahead where possible.
- What's the typical cost?
- North Devon District Council quotes filming fees case-by-case based on scale, duration, and public-realm impact. Small documentary crews are often charged an admin fee only; feature-film shoots involving road closures cost meaningfully more.
- What does this permit cover?
- The permit typically covers streets, parks, civic buildings. Private property and other national-body land (e.g. Crown Estate, National Trust, Royal Parks) may need separate consent.
- How do I apply?
- Apply via North Devon District Council's filming page at https://www.northdevon.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/filming-on-location/. Submit your dates, locations, crew numbers, and equipment list. Expect a risk-assessment request and, for larger shoots, a pre-filming meeting.