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Planning application

1/0266/2026/CPE

The Big Sheep Abbotsham Bideford Devon EX39 5AP

Granted Torridge Certificate Existing Lawful Use/Dev

Proposal

Certificate of existing lawful development for the use of land as a farm themed park for rides, attractions and public entertainment, ancillary uses for parking, a café, a shop and a brewery. Additionally, overflow car park in association with the Big Sheep theme park between the months of July to September and on Bank Holidays.

As published by the council, reference 1/0266/2026/CPE

Timeline

Dates from the published record

  1. 2 Apr 2026

    Received by Torridge

  2. 1 May 2026

    Decision issued: Application Approved

  3. 26 Jul 2026

    Added to PlanIndex

What a grant of permission means

The process from here

Permission has been granted, usually subject to conditions listed on the decision notice, some of which must be discharged before work starts. The decision notice on the council portal sets out exactly what was approved.

Work must normally begin within three years of the decision or the permission lapses. Neighbours cannot appeal a grant; challenging one means judicial review of how the decision was made, within tight time limits.

About lawful development applications

How this application type works

A lawful development certificate is a legal determination, not a planning judgement. It asks the council to confirm either that existing use or works are lawful, often through the passage of time, or that a proposal would not need planning permission at all. The applicant must prove the facts; the merits of the scheme are not considered.

More on lawful development applications in our guide

Nearby applications

Within 500 metres

  • 1/0204/2024/CPE Refused

    The Big Sheep Abbotsham Bideford Devon EX39 5AP

    Certificate of existing lawful development for the use of land as a mixed use adventure park, caravan and camping site

    5 Mar 2024 233m away Lawful development
  • 1/0131/2025/DIS Granted

    Land At Grid Reference 243037 126270 Abbotsham Road Bideford Devon

    Discharge of condition 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, and 21 of planning approval 1/1087/2024/REMM (hedgebank plan, landscaping, substation, cycle storage, pumping station, street furniture, materials, play space detail, foot and cycle paths, boundary walls, tree planting, shared surfacing details and Management Company Areas Plan)

    13 Nov 2025 316m away Conditions
  • Land At Grid Reference 243037 126270 Abbotsham Road Bideford Devon

    Non-material amendment to planning approval 1/1087/2024/REMM - Re-wording of conditions 13 (external materials) and 22 (window design)

    23 Oct 2025 320m away
  • 1/0045/2026/DIS Awaiting decision

    Land North Of Clovelly Road Abbotsham Devon

    Discharge of condition 5 of planning approval 1/1087/2024/REMM (lighting)

    26 May 2026 328m away Conditions
  • 1/0510/2026/REMM Awaiting decision

    Land North Of Clovelly Road Abbotsham Devon

    Reserved matters application pertaining to layout, scale, appearance, internal access and landscaping for the construction of 183 dwellings pursuant 1/1015/2014/OUTM (Variation of condition 13 of planning approval 1/1087/2024/REMM)

    15 Jul 2026 332m away Reserved matters
  • 1/0141/2024/FUL Granted

    The Cottage Abbotsham Bideford Devon EX39 5AP

    Proposed rear extension and alterations

    20 Feb 2024 338m away Full applications

In Torridge

  • 1/0531/2026/CPE Awaiting decision

    Land Adjacent To Lukes Farm Sheepwash Devon

    Certificate of existing lawful development to confirm commencement of planning approval 1/0137/2023/FUL

    22 Jul 2026 Lawful development
  • 1/0254/2026/CPE Granted

    Barn At Great Close Bradworthy Devon

    Certificate of existing lawful development for an agricultural building.

    31 Mar 2026 Lawful development
  • 1/0507/2026/CPL Awaiting decision

    Mill Cottage Bucks Mills Bideford Devon EX39 5DZ

    Certificate of proposed lawful development for replacement of existing wooden front garden fence with new stone wall and new iron rails

    14 Jul 2026 Lawful development
  • 1/0501/2026/CPL Awaiting decision

    Yeoldon Lodge Lower Cleave Northam Bideford Devon EX39 2RH

    Certificate of proposed lawful development for the erection of a garden shed/ gym.

    13 Jul 2026 Lawful development
  • 1/0354/2026/CPE Granted

    2 Stable Mews Church Lane Holsworthy Devon EX22 6EG

    Certificate of existing lawful for use of dwellinghouse (Breach of Occupancy condition)

    15 May 2026 Lawful development