Filming in South Hams: permits and fees
South Hams District Council manages filming across the South Devon coast and estuary country, covering Salcombe, Dartmouth, Burgh Island, and the South Devon AONB.
Who issues permits
South Hams District Council’s filming team coordinates access to council-managed land, beaches, car parks, and public spaces. Devon County Council handles highway closures and road filming. The district’s most distinctive filming locations are independently managed: Burgh Island and its Art Deco hotel operate their own filming arrangements, the Flavel Cinema in Dartmouth is an independent arts venue, and Salcombe’s beaches and estuary involve multiple landowners.
Process
Contact South Hams District Council with your production details, proposed dates, and a risk assessment. Allow three weeks for standard permits; longer for summer filming in Salcombe or Dartmouth, where public access and traffic management are critical concerns. Devon County Council requires separate applications for any road closures or traffic management on the A379, A3121, or other county routes.
Fees
Fees are set per application based on the nature and impact of the production. Beach hire at Salcombe and Thurlestone carries location fees. Car park and public space hire is charged at commercial rates. Burgh Island hotel filming is negotiated directly with the island hotel.
What’s covered
District council beaches including North Beach Salcombe, Thurlestone, and Bantham. Car parks and public open spaces. Town and village streets across the South Hams, including Salcombe, Dartmouth, Totnes, and Ivybridge. Council buildings. The district does not manage Burgh Island hotel land, National Trust properties, or Devon County Council highways.
Typical restrictions
Salcombe is a highly constrained location with narrow streets and limited parking; unit bases and traffic management require careful planning. Summer filming (June–August) in Salcombe and Dartmouth is extremely difficult due to visitor volumes. The South Devon AONB designation covers most of the district’s coastal zone — conditions apply to landscape impact from large productions. The Kingsbridge Estuary and Salcombe Harbour have specific environmental protections.
Contact
- Email: customer.services@southhams.gov.uk
- Web: southhams.gov.uk
Apply via South Hams District Council → southhams.gov.uk
FAQ
- Who issues this filming permit?
- South Hams 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?
- South Hams 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 South Hams District Council's filming page at https://www.southhams.gov.uk. Submit your dates, locations, crew numbers, and equipment list. Expect a risk-assessment request and, for larger shoots, a pre-filming meeting.