Thinking about developing in Devon or Cornwall? So where are the opportunities for developers?
Cornwalland Devon: A unique opportunity for place-led development
Devon andCornwall offer some of the UK's most distinctive development landscapes. Theircombination of exceptional natural beauty, thriving visitor economies andgrowing investment opportunities creates sustained demand for land andproperty, while environmental protections, infrastructure constraints anddispersed communities require a thoughtful, place-led approach to development.
As two ofEngland's most recognisable destinations, the counties support diverseeconomies spanning tourism, agriculture, marine industries, renewable energyand emerging technology sectors. Their long-term appeal continues to driveresidential, commercial and infrastructure investment, but successfuldevelopment depends on understanding local planning, landscape character andcommunity priorities.
Against thisbackdrop, identifying the right locations, navigating planning complexity andaligning development with local priorities will be critical to unlockinglong-term value.
A regionshaped by landscape
Few parts ofEngland are as environmentally significant as Devon and Cornwall. Around 35% ofDevon and 27% of Cornwall lie within protected landscapes, compared with around22% nationally. Combined with more than 650km of Cornish coastline and Devon'sextensive north and south coasts, these landscapes define settlement patterns,local economies and planning policy.
The region'slocation at the end of the South West peninsula also presents infrastructurechallenges. Longer transport routes, constrained connectivity and limitedunconstrained land increase the importance of strategic site selection andlocally informed development.
Housingdemand continues to outpace supply
Strongdemand, driven by population growth, lifestyle migration, tourism andsecond-home ownership, continues to place pressure on housing delivery andaffordability.
Cornwallrequires more than 4,400 new homes annually under the Government's standardmethod but currently has less than a four-year housing land supply and morethan 21,000 households on its affordable housing register. Similar challengesexist across Devon, where many authorities continue to struggle to maintainfive-year housing land supplies.
Second homesfurther intensify pressures, particularly in coastal communities. However,confidence in the market remains strong, with more than 8,000 new homessubmitted through planning applications across Devon and Cornwall during 2025 —the highest annual total of the decade.
Tourismcreates opportunity beyond the visitor economy
Tourismremains one of the region's defining economic drivers, generating billions ofpounds annually and supporting tens of thousands of jobs. While seasonal demandcreates pressures on housing, infrastructure and local services, it alsopresents opportunities to create more resilient, year-round economies.
Initiativessuch as Experience Newquay and Devon's Local Visitor Economy Partnershipdemonstrate how investment can diversify local economies, extend the visitorseason and support permanent employment while benefiting residents as well asvisitors.
Unlockingsustainable growth
Developmentopportunities increasingly focus on regenerating existing settlements ratherthan large-scale expansion. Market towns, coastal communities and rural centreseach offer opportunities for housing, commercial development and infrastructureinvestment that reflect local identity and landscape character.
Recentschemes illustrate this approach, combining new housing with affordableprovision, green infrastructure, active travel connections and low-carbontechnologies. At the same time, investment in renewable energy, battery storageand public infrastructure is strengthening the region's long-term resilience.
Astrategic approach to land
Devon andCornwall face growing competition for land as housing, food production,renewable energy, biodiversity, tourism and climate resilience all compete forlimited space.
Amultifunctional approach to land use offers the greatest opportunity to balancethese competing priorities. By integrating housing delivery with environmentalenhancement, renewable energy, sustainable tourism and resilientinfrastructure, development can deliver multiple long-term benefits forcommunities and investors alike.
Looking ahead
The futureof development in Devon and Cornwall will be defined by quality rather thanscale. With land constrained but demand remaining strong, successful projectswill be those that respond to local context, support community priorities anddeliver environmental, social and economic value.
Fordevelopers and investors, the opportunity lies in adopting a strategic,place-led approach that recognises the unique characteristics of the region. Bybalancing growth with landscape protection and long-term resilience, Devon andCornwall can continue to deliver sustainable development while preserving thequalities that make them among the UK's most distinctive places.
