Cornwall Council has started work on a new Local Plan that will guide development across the county through to 2050. As part of that process, it is inviting landowners, developers and other interested parties to submit sites for consideration.
For those with land interests in Cornwall, there are a few key points worth bearing in mind.
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Cornwall Needs Land for Growth
The new Local Plan will need to identify sufficient land to accommodate future housing, employment and infrastructure requirements across the county.
That is not limited to housing. The Council is seeking submissions for employment uses, renewable energy projects, community facilities, environmental enhancements, infrastructure and mixed-use developments, as well as residential development.
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The Council Is Looking for Potential Development Sites Now
The Call for Sites process is the mechanism through which landowners and developers can put land forward for consideration.
Submitting a site does not guarantee that it will be allocated in the Local Plan, but sites that are not promoted are unlikely to feature in the Council’s assessment of development options.
For many landowners, this is the point at which land first enters the plan-making process.
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Strategic Sites Are Likely to Form Part of the Solution
Meeting Cornwall’s development needs over the next 25 years is unlikely to be achieved solely through small and medium-sized sites.
The Council has indicated that larger sites capable of delivering homes, employment space and supporting infrastructure will be important considerations as the Local Plan progresses. For some landowners, particularly those with substantial landholdings, there may be opportunities to promote strategic-scale development.
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There Is a Limited Window to Influence the New Local Plan
The Call for Sites is open until 31 December 2026.
Whilst the process itself is straightforward, the strongest submissions are typically supported by a clear understanding of planning constraints, site opportunities and likely deliverability. Taking stock of these issues early can help inform how land is promoted and whether there is a realistic prospect of future allocation.
What Should Landowners Do Now?
The Call for Sites process is open until 31 December 2026, but that does not mean it makes sense to wait until the deadline.
Landowners should use this period to understand whether their land is likely to have planning potential, what constraints may exist, and how a site aligns with the Council’s emerging objectives. In some cases, land that has not previously been considered suitable for development may warrant a fresh review in light of changing policy priorities and longer-term growth requirements.
Not every site will be suitable for promotion, but where there is potential, early assessment allows time to consider the most appropriate strategy and gather any supporting information that may strengthen a submission.
If you would like an independent view on the prospects for a site, our planning team can provide advice on how land may sit within the emerging Local Plan process.
