What's new in planning

New National Landscapes

From 22 November 2023 all AONBs are to be known as National Landscapes. This reflects the importance of these protected landscapes alongside the UK’s National Parks.

The Cornwall National Landscape is the new name for the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Tamar Valley National Landscape is the new name for the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

You can find out more on our Planning Agents Area webpage.

Infrastructure Story Map updated

Take a look at our latest story map.  You can find information on:

• s106 monies received in each Parish and Community Network area
• the planning application the receipts relate to
• the amount of s106 money spent in the area
• what it was spent on
• photos of some of the completed projects

The story map also provides information on the ‘Neighbourhood Portion’ of CIL that each Parish has received. The Neighbourhood Portion is paid based on CIL income received rather than anticipated income. Parishes receive this twice a year.

Please note: we update information every 3 months for s106 and every 6 months for CIL. The story map only shows S106 balances received after 2009.

Updated Validation Guide

The Validation Guide has been updated to version 1.2.  The Validation Guide can be found on the 'Make a Planning Application' web page.  A schedule of changes to the guide can be found in this table of Validation guide updates.

Biodiversity Net Gain in Cornwall

Although a national requirement for 10% biodiversity net gain will now not apply until January 2024, the Cornwall requirement for biodiversity net gain on major developments remains in place.

Applications should continue to make provision in line with policy G2 of the Climate Emergency DPD (February 2023) and meet the current local validation requirements. This includes the submission of the latest DEFRA metric. Applications validated in advance of mandating in January 2024 will be determined in line with Policy G2 of the CEDPD.  

Planning news Autumn 2023

We have published our Autumn planning newsletters: 

• Planning News for Local Councils and Agents
• Neighbourhood Planning Newsletter

You can find links to these newsletters on our Planning News page. 

Our next newsletter is due end of January 2024.

Nutrient neutrality in Cornwall

Please note there is a significant issue about: 

• the levels of phosphate entering the River Camel
• the impact of this on development and some planning applications in the river's catchment area.

We have updated our web area for phosphates.  You can now find all our nutrient neutrality information from the Nutrient Neutrality in Cornwall 'home' page.

We have updated the Cornwall Council phosphate calculator and tutorial video.  Applicants will need to rerun their phosphate budget calculations for pending planning applications.