Our new services
We are improving the services we offer our customers. This is to help:
- deliver better development in Cornwall
- build healthier and more sustainable communities
- promote growth that creates jobs, homes and infrastructure whilst protecting our precious environment
Customers want quick decisions. Our dedicated team of planning and development professionals are here to help. Cornwall Council wants to support first-class proposals that enhance our County. So we are introducing an exciting range of improved pre-application advice services.
The improved services will help guide you through the planning process. They offer consistent, clear, professional, and cost effective support focused on reducing risk. Effective communication is at the heart of our new Proactive Planning offer. By preventing conflicting advice and reducing delays we will provide you with certainty and confidence in proposals. This means getting the best development for your site and our residents.
Information on our new services
Discovery Call
To find out more about the new services you can book a Discovery Call. This free 30-minute, phone call/virtual meeting will help to decide which service would be best for your project. Detailed planning discussions about the scheme(s) will form part of the advice giving service which is chargeable (see below).
To request a call please email: planning@cornwall.gov.uk Please include:
- ‘Discovery Call’ as the subject.
- Your contact details so we can arrange an appointment.
The Strategic Planning Performance Agreement
A bespoke advice service for developers promoting multiple large scale and/or strategic projects. The service includes regular meetings with key Council officers. Offering support for pipelines of work, future allocations, troubleshooting and obstacles to delivery.
To apply please complete a Strategic application form and submit via email to: planning@cornwall.gov.uk
Professional Advice + Follow Up
For straightforward, non-complex, major development proposals. Such as changes of use, single industrial buildings and schemes of less than 20 dwellings. The service offers:
- A site visit.
- Virtual meeting to discuss proposals.
- Written advice within 8 weeks.
- The ability to purchase advice from a range of Cornwall Council Consultees.
To apply please complete a Professional application form. Or if you want to amend or revise a scheme or clarify previous advice given, you can apply for Professional Follow up advice. The completed application form should be submitted via email to: planning@cornwall.gov.uk
The Ultimate Planning Performance Agreement
The Ultimate service offers continuous engagement on site-specific development proposals.
- Dedicated support from conception through to post decision.
- An Inception Meeting to agree the structure and content of the Planning Performance Agreement.
- A flexible and tailored service to suit the nature and complexity of the development.
- Access to specialist advice from Cornwall Council Consultees.
- Use of the Cornwall Design Review Panel
- Use of the Member Engagement Forum.
- A project team approach with regular two-way communication.
- Help with environmental screening, and post-decision support.
To apply please complete the Ultimate application form and submit via email to: planning@cornwall.gov.uk
The Targeted Planning Performance Agreement
Our Targeted PPA service can be used in specific circumstances. For example:
- For live planning applications that require revision.
- To consider amended plans that attempt to address reason(s) for refusal.
- In cases where permission was granted before we introduced our new services:
- To seek advice on amendments to schemes.
- To seek advice on matters relating to planning conditions.
To apply please complete the Targeted application form and submit via email to: planning@cornwall.gov.uk
New Pre-Application Advice Services for Major Development Proposals
For detailed information on the new advice services please follow the link below:
New Pre-Application Advice Services for Major Development Proposals
What does it cost?
- The Discovery Call is free of charge.
- Fees for Professional Advice + Follow Up Services are listed on the application forms.
- There is an initial set up fee for Planning Performance Agreement advice services that includes the cost of your Inception Meeting. A bespoke quotation will be provided following the discussions at the Inception Meeting. The cost will depend on the scale of the proposal and the resources and services required.
How do I pay?
When your information is received, a reference number will be allocated. A member of the team will email you the reference number and instructions on how to pay. Details of ways to pay are also included on application forms.
Important Information
Your pre-application enquiry and Council responses are available for public inspection. However, you can confirm to us if the content is commercially sensitive. Details on how to do this are set out on the Application Forms. Please note even when the information is sensitive, we may still be required to disclose it under the Freedom of Information Act. For more information see:
Major applications
A major application meets or exceeds the following criteria:
- the winning and working of minerals or the use of land for mineral-working deposits;
- waste development;
- the provision of dwelling houses where:
- the number of dwelling houses is 10 or more; or
- the development is on a site having an area of 0.5 hectares or more and the number of dwellings is not known;
- the provision of a building or buildings where the floor space is 1,000 square metres or more; or
- development on a site having an area of 1 hectare or more.