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What's new in planning


New Planning Constraint Checking Tool Launched

A new planning constraint checking tool is now live and available on the constraints on development web page.

This tool enables you to:

  • Plot the site on the interactive map

  • View constraints relevant to the planning process

  • Produce a report of relevant constraints

Cornwall Land Use Study published

The Land Use Study has now been published. This will provide the basis for a future Land Use Framework for Cornwall.  It outlines the next steps to support the emerging Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) and new Local Plan.

You can find more information on our Cornwall Monitoring Report webpage.

Planning enforcement in the top 5

Cornwall Council is one of the top 5 authorities in England for planning enforcement.  Latest Government information shows we served 90 enforcement notices in 2024/2025.  18 of the notices went to appeal, with 17 then upheld. This is a 94% success rate which is above national average.  You can read the full article at: Planning Enforcement good news story April 2026.

Housing Growth Prospectus

Cornwall Council is working proactively to meet the growing housing needs of Cornwall. We have the second-highest housing target in England. We know that building homes faster is the key to our future. It gives our residents the places they need to live and boosts our local economy. It helps Cornwall lead the way in clean energy for the whole country.

Our goal is simple but ambitious:

  • build 4,421 homes every year

  • make sure many more of these are homes people can actually afford

We are implementing an 8-point plan in partnership with Homes England to do this. You can find out more in our Cornwall Housing Growth Prospectus 2026-27.

Use of Artificial Intelligence

The Planning Inspectorate has issued guidance on how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used in appeals, applications or examinations. The guidance explains:

  • when you must declare that you used AI

  • what details to include in an AI disclosure statement, and

  • what responsibilities you have when submitting AI-assisted material.

Cornwall Council recognises that AI tools can also assist residents in preparing planning comments.

If you use AI to help prepare your objection or supporting comment, please include a short note telling us:

  • that AI was used

  • which tool you used - For example, CoPilot, ChatGPT or another application. 

  • what it was used for and how it was used - For example, if it was used to draft an objection in general or a specific part of an objection

  • that you have checked the content and take responsibility for its accuracy.

This helps ensure fair, transparent decision-making.

You can read the full guidance at: Use of AI in casework evidence

Planning news Spring 2026

We have published our Spring quarterly planning newsletters: 

  • Planning News for Local Councils and Agents

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

Our next newsletter is due in July 2026.

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