What is a vision?
A vision is a picture of the future.
It helps us to answer these questions:
What do we want Cornwall to be like in the future?
What problems do we need to solve?
What should we do first?
How will we know if we are making progress?
All new local plans must set out a vision for their area. This will be though understanding the evidence of challenges and opportunities for Cornwall.
The vision will be a golden thread through the whole plan. This helps to set policies and allocations and makes sure that we all know what we need to do.
We have been developing a draft vision using:
Recent engagement and conversations
Evidence about our communities, economy, environment and infrastructure
Reviewing our strategies and plans
National planning policy and legislation
What will the vision include?
The vision will set out 3 things:
A summary of our challenges and opportunities (set out below)
A vision of what Cornwall looks like in 2050
Targets and measures so that we will be able to tell if the vision is being delivered
The vision will be developed further as we collect evidence, engage communities and stakeholders and as the plan is written.
Challenges and opportunities
This work shows some clear challenges and opportunities that need to be addressed.
Homes and places that work for people
Many people in Cornwall struggle to find a suitable home they can afford. The Local Plan must support more housing choice, accessible homes and better designed places. They should be well-connected to jobs, services and green spaces. This is so people can live well and stay in their communities for longer.
Responding to climate and nature emergencies
Our changing climate is already affecting our communities and wildlife. We must make balanced decisions about land use for food, energy and nature.
A strong economy across Cornwall
Economic growth must benefit all parts of Cornwall including our rural areas. We will support good-quality local jobs particularly for young people and plan for sectors vital to our future.
Infrastructure that keeps pace with growth
Each community needs reliable infrastructure:
A good place to live
Clean water
Transport
Schools
Healthcare
Digital connections
Identity, not isolation
Cornwall is distinct, diverse and defined by our heritage and a single land connection. We will continue to need to be outward-looking.
Engaged people at the heart of communities
We will plan for all-age and inclusive communities. We will be working hard to hear a range of voices across our communities and helping to meet their needs.
Help shape the vision
We want to hear your views about the future of Cornwall and our draft vision.
You can comment on the draft vision in the scoping report. We will consult on it in October and November 2026. All comments will be considered before making any changes.
Find out more
You can also view the evidence, reports and engagement findings.