This page explains what the Cornwall Local Plan is, what it will cover and the preparation. This includes how communities and stakeholders will be involved.
What is the Cornwall Local Plan?
The Cornwall Local Plan is a statutory planning document that sets out the long-term planning framework. It guides decisions on how places will change over time including where development should take place. It also shows how our environment, communities and economy should be supported.
The Local Plan:
Sets out planning policies used alongside national planning policy to make planning decisions
Identifies the need and locations for homes, jobs, infrastructure and services
Helps to look after our natural, historic and cultural assets
The Cornwall Local Plan will cover the entire administrative area of Cornwall. It will include strategic policies for minerals and waste. It will replace the adopted Cornwall Local Plan (2016).
Why a new Local Plan is needed
The current adopted Cornwall Local Plan must be reviewed and updated to respond to:
Changes to national policy
New evidence about housing, the economy, infrastructure and the environment
The challenges and opportunities facing Cornwall over the coming years
Preparing a new Cornwall Local Plan ensures that planning decisions will use up-to-date policies that support sustainable development.
Understand the new government housing target and what it could mean for future housing needs and growth across Cornwall.
Understanding the new government housing target presentation
How the Cornwall Local Plan will be prepared
We will prepare the Cornwall Local Plan in stages that are set out in national Regulations. This process includes:
Early scoping and evidence gathering - Identifying the key issues, opportunities and evidence needed to write the Plan.
Preparation of a draft Local Plan - Developing draft policies and proposals and inviting the public and stakeholder views.
Publication of the proposed Local Plan - Consulting on the draft Local Plan before submission with an opportunity to make formal comments.
Submission and independent examination - Submitting the Plan to the Secretary of State for examination by an independent planning inspector.
Adoption of the Local Plan - If found sound and legally compliant the Cornwall Local Plan will be adopted and used to guide planning decisions.
Each stage includes time for communities, organisations and stakeholders to be involved.
How we will involve communities and stakeholders
Engagement on the Cornwall Local Plan will be carried out in line with our engagement plan. This sets out:
Who we will consult
How engagement will take place
How comments and representations will be considered
Information about current and upcoming consultations and how to get involved will be coming soon on our get involved pages.
Where to find evidence and documents
Detailed evidence, consultation documents and technical reports used to write the Cornwall Local Plan will be published on separate pages.
Current planning policy
The adopted Cornwall Local Plan (2016) remains in force and continues to be used in planning decisions until the new Cornwall Local Plan is adopted.