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New Planning Constraint Checking Tool LaunchedA 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 mapView constraints relevant to the planning processProduce a report of relevant constraintsUpdate to Biodiversity Net Gain ExemptionsFrom 6 August 2026, BNG does not apply to planning applications for developments where the site area within the red line boundary is 0.2 hectares or below....The BSA calls 18m or 7 storey buildings "High Risk buildings".You can find further guidance on Planning Gateway One requirements at: Government Fire Statement Form guidanceFire Safety and High rise residential buildings guidance from 1 August 2021PaymentsSubmitting an application via the Planning PortalIf you have submitted your planning application via the Planning Portal, please pay the Planning Portal direct....Without this payment the Planning Portal will not release your planning application to the Council. 

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-advice-and-guidance/validation-updates/

Last updated: 24/07/2026 09:57:22

You can access more information on the planning process using these links:Plain English guide to the planning systemDay in the life of a planning applicationA homeowner's guide to the planning processDetailed desktop analysisThe case officer becomes familiar with the application and assesses issues that could be raised....This research can include:histories of both the site and other similar caseslocal and national planning policiesgovernment guidancecase specific researchplanning acts, regulations and case lawdesign guidesother supplementary planning documentsa further site visit if necessary for clarification.The officer then:gathers the information together andconsiders it beside the information learnt at the start of the process.This provides the basis for a balanced recommendation that is fundamentally supported by planning policy. ...Major and more controversial applications are decided by Planning Committees.Decisions can be:approvalconditional approvalrefusalThe officer or Planning Committee makes a decision. 

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-advice-and-guidance/application-process/

Last updated: 10/09/2026 09:19:44

Cornwall Council, acting as the Coast Protection Authority, is a statutory consultee to all planning applications that fall within the coastal vulnerability zone....Policy we use to assess applications There are three policies which are relevant to planning applications on the coast....The SMP guides planning for coastal change.

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/environment/environmental-protection/coastal-protection/planning-applications-on-the-coast/

Last updated: 07/01/2026 15:55:43

You can contact Elected Division Ward Members direct about planning applications. ...This includes: providing for new development protecting the environment and delivering social progress through the proper planning of their areas....Elected Members will also have a role in representing their wards when there are planning applications in their area: either as a Ward Member or  as a member of the Planning Committee, when determining planning applications.

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-advice-and-guidance/role-of-divisional-ward-member-in-planning/

Last updated: 17/06/2022 13:00:59

The Council has a register of formal planning enforcement actions....We publish regular reports on the workload and activity of the Planning Enforcement team.Online register of formal planning enforcement actionThe online planning register holds details of formal enforcement action....The online register does not hold copies of the enforcement notice.You can search for a notice using:The address or postcode of the land or propertyThe planning enforcement case numberSearch for a formal enforcement actionThe Planning Simple Search window will open up automatically on the 'Applications' button. 

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-enforcement/planning-enforcement-activity-reports/

Last updated: 02/07/2026 13:21:30

New appeal requirements for Section 106 agreementsThe Planning Inspectorate has updated its guidance regarding planning appeals and S106 agreements from 2 October. ...We will advise anyone who made representations on the planning application that an appeal has been made and provide information on how to comment further.We forward all comments received on the planning application to the Planning Inspectorate....You need to send any further comments direct to the Planning Inspectorate. 

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-advice-and-guidance/appeals/

Last updated: 15/09/2026 15:32:30

The Housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) adopted February 2020 sets out the assumptions for both the discount required where homes are to be offered for discounted market sale (Appendix 1) and for calculating the off-site contribution tariff (Appendix 2).

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-policy/adopted-plans/housing-supplementary-planning-document-spd/

Last updated: 08/07/2026 19:45:22

Homes can often have solar panels without requiring planning permission from the Council....Permitted Development RightsThe permitted development rights relating to solar panels are:Class A (installation or alteration etc of solar equipment on domestic premises)Class B (installation or alteration etc of stand alone solar equipment on domestic premises)You can find more information at:Part 14 (Renewable Energy) The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) (Amendment) Order 2026....It means plug-in solar is subject to the limitations and conditions in Classes A and B.Planning Portal: Planning permission - solar panels We can help you to understand the legislation (charges apply).Do I need planning permissionYou can also apply for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC). 

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-advice-and-guidance/solar-panels-and-planning-permission/

Last updated: 02/09/2026 13:18:31

Cornwall Council’s Planning Enforcement Plan sets out our procedures for dealing with alleged breaches of planning control....We will not start formal planning enforcement action just to regularise breaches in planning control or seek a planning fee....Whether the breach of planning control causes planning harm is key to assessing if it is expedient to take formal action.

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-enforcement/planning-enforcement-plan/how-we-use-planning-enforcement-tools/

Last updated: 30/04/2024 08:46:25

Email us at neighbourhoodplanning@cornwall.gov.uk to subscribe.Neighbourhood Planning Newsletter - September 2026Neighbourhood Planning Newsletter - April 2026Neighbourhood Planning Newsletter - January 2026Neighbourhood Planning Newsletter - September 2025Neighbourhood Planning Newsletter - May 2025Neighbourhood Planning Newsletter - January 2025You can also view Planning News for Local Councils and Agents Published: 17 September 2026Changes to National planning rulesThe Government published a new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) on 17 August 2026. ...The new rules started on the same day so they must now be used when making planning decisions.The NPPF contains national planning policies. ...Some will help us write the next Local Plan and others will be used when deciding planning applications. 

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/neighbourhood-planning/news-and-updates/

Last updated: 21/09/2026 15:12:25