This is the first formal consultation stage in preparing the Cornwall Local Plan. At this stage we will be consulting on what the Cornwall Local Plan will cover and how it will be prepared before detailed policies or site allocations are drafted.
What is the scoping stage and early engagement stage?
The Regulation 20 scoping stage is the starting point for our Local Plan process under the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026.
At this stage, we will be seeking views on:
The Baseline and scope of the Plan (what Cornwall is like now and what topics the plan could address)
The vision for Cornwall
Our engagement strategy for inclusive participation
The key sustainability issues the Cornwall Local Plan should consider through the Integrated Sustainability Appraisal (ISA) Scoping Report
Documents for consultation
In line with Regulation 20, we will be consulting on these documents:
Baseline and draft scope of the Cornwall Local Plan - Setting out information about Cornwall now and the broad themes and issues that should be covered. It does not include detailed policies or site allocations. These will be made using the results of this consultation stage.
Vision - Presenting a long-term vision and strategic outcomes for Cornwall. These will guide decisions on growth, development, infrastructure and environmental protection.
Draft engagement & consultation strategy - Explains how we'll involve communities and stakeholders. This will replace our Statement of Community Involvement (SCI).
ISA Scoping Report - Prepared under the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 (SEA Regulations). This identifies environmental, social and economic issues and sustainability objectives for assessment of the Cornwall Local Plan. ISA Scoping report
Early community engagement - drop in events
Between September 2025 - February 2026 we held 24 informal community drop-in events across Cornwall in partnership with Creative Kernow. These events gave local people the opportunity to:
Share what they treasure in their communities
Talk about what changes they would like to see in the next 25 years
Summaries of these events and reflections on what we heard are available through our Local Plan progress and updates page.
How to take part
Details are on our get involved pages of:
How to respond to this consultation
Consultation dates
How feedback will be used
What happens next?
After the scoping and early engagement stage closes we will:
Review all feedback received
Update the scope, vision and engagement approach where appropriate
Use this information to prepare a draft Cornwall Local Plan for consultation
Updates will be published on the Local Plan progress and updates page.