Role of local councils in planning
The local council protocol (updated November 2023) sets out how local councils are involved in the application process. Please see the role of local councils in planning page for more information on other aspects.
You can find our quarterly planning newsletters with items of specific interest for Local Councils on our Planning News webpage.
Planning application documents
The Head of Planning gives permission for you to download plans and documents relating to planning applications. This can be electronically or paper. Section 47 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 applies. You cannot copy the documents for your own use as this will infringe copyright. You can only copy documents if you have the permission of the copyright owner. (This may be the person that drew the plans or the author of the document)
Cornwall Planning Partnership
The Cornwall Planning Partnership is a group made up of local council clerks, councillors and Cornwall Council officers. You can find more information on what the group does on the Cornwall Planning Partnership webpage.
Local council planning training
We offer training for local councils:
following local elections - our next training will be on 12 June, 19 June and 10 July
single topic events for all local councils 3 or 4 times a year
Local Council Planning Training
Planning guidance for local councils
Day in the life of a Planning Application - An online step by step guide through the entire planning process. It spans from initial development idea through to the completion of development.
Guidance for local councils on pre-application discussions - Guidance on how to deal with approaches from developers, parish-led community engagement, and specific tips about avoiding predetermination. Protocol on working together on pre application discussions.
Post decision community engagement guidance - This includes suggestions on how to keep communities updated and a suggested planning condition where this would be helpful during construction
Planning explained - informal advice for local councils and residents to help with understanding of how Planning works