Residents are being invited to share their views on the things that are important to them about where they live and any changes they would like to see happen over the next 20 years at a series of drop in events designed to help shape the future of Cornwall.
Led by Creative Kernow, the drop ins, which will take place in towns and villages across Cornwall during the next five months, are the first phase of an extensive programme of public engagement activities being carried out by Cornwall Council to support the development of the new Cornwall Local Plan.
Find out more about when and where the Local Plan events are taking place
The current Cornwall Local Plan was formally adopted in 2016 and covers the period from 2010 up to 2030. The new Cornwall Local Plan (which will cover the period up to 2050) will set out what can be built and where, creating rules on everything that makes up a place, from what to protect and how buildings are designed to how people get around.
This will include housing, employment space, retail areas, town centres, business and industrial parks, energy generation, new schools, health and community facilities, transport, and green infrastructure such as parks, local wildlife areas and woodlands.
The Plan will also need to consider how Cornwall responds to the challenges of an increasing and ageing population and climate change, support nature recovery and level up economic opportunity.
Cllr Sarah Preece, Cornwall Council cabinet member for planning, said:
"A Local Plan tells the story of what our towns, villages, hamlets and countryside are like now, and what we want them to be like in the future.
“To understand what works now and what could be better, we need everyone to get involved and have a say in the future of Cornwall.
“This means working with local people to find ways to treasure what is important to them, while shaping places that can thrive in our changing world.”
The first phase in developing the new Local Plan involves establishing a Vision for Cornwall. The views of local people and communities will play a key role in developing this “golden thread” which will link all the different areas of the plan.
The aim of the drop in events is to give people the opportunity to highlight what they love about the place they live or work, and the things they want to see improved. Information from these events will be used to support the development of the draft Vision.
Cllr Preece said:
“These sessions are just the beginning of a series of conversations we will be having with different people and organisations across Cornwall over the coming months as our work on preparing the plan progresses.
“We know that all our places are different and will be looking to follow up these first sessions with specific conversations in individual places.
“We are calling on people to help us shape the rules of local planning as we build a plan for what Cornwall can become. By working together, we can ensure that we deliver homes that are better connected to shops, schools, things to do and work, and improve our natural environment.”
Story posted September 30, 2025