Development will be supported within the development boundaries of the Sub-regional, Strategic and Main Centres, as defined on the Policies Map in accordance with the following hierarchy:
| Settlement Status | North Devon | Torridge | Definition |
|
Sub-regional Centre |
Barnstaple |
Barnstaple will be the focus for future growth in northern Devon. Significant levels of development will be accommodated in Barnstaple consistent with its scale and strategic importance as a service and employment centre, leading to increased self-containment to meet its own needs and those of the surrounding area. |
|
|
Strategic |
Bideford |
Bideford will provide a focus for housing and employment development. Significant levels of development will be accommodated in Bideford consistent with its scale and its complementary role to Barnstaple. Sustainable development opportunities will be secured to increase self-containment and achieve balanced development to enable the town to meet its own needs and those of the surrounding area. | |
|
Main |
Braunton and Wrafton, Ilfracombe, South Molton |
Great Torrington, Holsworthy, Northam (inc. Appledore and Westward Ho!) |
The Main Centres will support appropriate levels of growth that will increase the towns’ capacities to increase self-containment, to meet their own needs and those of surrounding communities where such is sought through the local vision. |