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Drone Filming from Council Land

drone

Torridge District Council has adopted a film friendly approach to filming in the area, which extends to the use of drones. However, there are rules and regulations which we ask users to observe and comply with in the operation and use of drones and model aircraft.

Torridge District Council Drone Filming Guidelines

Any pilot/company wishing to film or take off/land on Council land or property must:

  • First get permission and approval from the Council for the filming by emailing [email protected]. The information required includes the following:
    • Precise location of where you intend to fly your drone
    • Purpose and scope of drone use and filming
    • A copy of your risk assessment for the flight(s)
    • A copy of your drone public liability insurance to a level of £5 Million
  • Please note that due to the sensitive nature of the environment and wildlife at Northam Burrows Country Park in Westward Ho!, the Council do not normally authorise flights from this location and bylaws state that flights are prohibited.
  • The responsibility of any flight and its legalities rests with the drone operator. The Civil Aviation Authority's Drone Code provides helpful information to drone operators and also makes sure members of the public are protected.
  • Permission from Torridge District Council may be just one of many permissions needed, such as a permission to fly within an Airfield or Military restricted zone (such as Chivenor, or an authorisation from the CAA to fly within the Specific category - see below.

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Drone Filming and Use Guidelines

  • Anyone flying a drone must take reasonable, proportionate and common-sense steps to manage the risks of their flight. You must not endanger anyone, or anything with your drone.
  • If you fly within the requirements of the Open category (<250g in weight) then you don't need any specific approvals from the CAA but you must register as an operator and get a flyer ID.
  • If you are flying in the 'Specific' or 'Certified' categories you must ensure you meet the requirements of those categories. Please see here - https://www.caa.co.uk/drones/
  • The key requirements for flying in Model aircraft and drones are set out in the Drone and Model Aircraft Code
  • If your drone is under 250g then there are some variations to some of the rules. If your drone has a camera then you must register as an operator and complete the flyer ID test. The operator number must be marked on the drone.
  • If you're flying a drone or model aircraft that's lighter than 250g, you can fly closer to people than 50m and you can fly over them, but you must not fly over crowds.
  • When you're thinking about how close you can fly, remember, you must never put people in danger. Even small drones and model aircraft could injure people if you don't fly them safely.
  • All other safety rules, including flight restriction zones around airfields, the need to keep your drone in visual line of sight and not flying over 400ft / 120m all still apply to drones under 250g.
  • Further information on the open category and requirements for heavier or larger drones can be found here Drone and Model Aircraft Code

If you have any questions please contact [email protected] or call 01237 428959

17/03/2026 - Updated due to amendments in CAA requirements and class of drones.