National Planning changes
The Government published a draft new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) on 16 December 2025. This sets out revised guidance and decision-making policies for planning across England. The changes are subject to a current consultation ending on 10 March.
The Council's Policy team have written a briefing note to provide a brief summary of the key changes and to help individuals make their own consultation response.
European Sites Mitigation - Penhale
From 12 December 2025, the Council will no longer require mitigation measures to be proposed or payment made for Penhale Dunes Special Area of Conservation (SAC) except where the proposal is:
- for more than 500 homes, and
- within 2.5 km of the site.
Contributions secured to date are still necessary. Please note: Joint Fal/Helford SAC and Penhale Dunes SAC forms should no longer be used.
You can find more information on the European Sites Mitigation webpage.
New Cornwall Local Plan news
The Government published a Ministerial Statement on 27 November 2025 regarding the start of the new local planning system. It confirmed that regulations and guidance will be published early next year. This means that Cornwall Council should be in a position to start a new Local Plan for Cornwall by Spring.
You can find more information and suggested timeline in our Briefing Note - New Plan-making system launch.
Help us to plan for the future
We're creating a plan for what Cornwall can become in the next 20 years. It's all about finding ways to treasure what's important to you, while shaping places that can thrive in our changing world.
With your help, we'll shape the rules for local planning across Cornwall. Join us at a Local Plan drop in session
Planning news Autumn 2025
We have published our Autumn 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 January 2026.