Several existing policy documents guide and govern climate change adaptation. The Cornwall Adaptation Strategy will build on these.
Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Adaptation Strategy
Lots of the way we live in Cornwall is affected by decisions made in other areas. A good example is the reliance of our railway connections on the Devon rail network. The Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Climate Adaptation Strategy was developed by the Climate Impacts Group, a collection of organisations with a role in adaptation in the region, including:
- Local authorities
- Local Nature Partnerships
- Environment Agency
- Met Office
- South West Water
- Westcountry Rivers Trust
The strategy outlines the strategic level actions that need to be taken for the Southwest to adapt to climate change, particularly in areas where regional collaboration would be beneficial. The strategy is split into five sectors of:
- Health and built environment
- Business and industry
- Infrastructure
- Natural environment
- Cross cutting and international dimensions
This regional strategy was endorsed by Cornwall Council in November 2023. The strategy can be viewed on the Climate Resilient DCIoS website, alongside quick reads and lots of resources with advice on how to take action.
Visit the Climate Resilient DCIoS website
Climate Emergency Development Plan Document (DPD)
The Climate Emergency DPD provides a framework for planning in the context of the climate emergency. Several of the policies are relevant to adaptation. These include:
- Policy CC1 - Coastal Vulnerability Zone
- Policy CC2 - Coastal Change Management Areas
You can find out more about how we use these policies on our planning applications on the coast page.
Local Flood Risk Management Strategy
The Local Flood Risk Management Strategy outlines how Cornwall Council and its partners will work together to manage flood risk from all sources. The strategy was published in 2020. You can read the strategy and find out more about how it was developed on our website.