Please note that we are experiencing high volumes of work which is causing delays to our response times. We are working hard to address this and thank you for your understanding during this difficult time.
Planning Practice Guidance 2014 contains advice on how local planning authorities should fulfil the statutory requirement to publicise planning applications.
View the Planning Practice Guidance 2014
Our Statement of Community Involvement sets out how we will involve:
- local communities
- businesses
- other interested parties
when preparing planning policies and determining planning applications.
View the Statement of Community Involvement
Publicising planning applications - what you can expect
In reaching a decision on planning applications we will always take into account material planning considerations raised by people who comment and/or may be affected by the development. Officers judge them against:
- the principles in policy documents and
- other material considerations.
We will not refuse planning applications where:
- objections are received and
- there is no sustainable planning reason to do so.
We use the following to notify neighbours and interested parties on planning applications. This gives the opportunity to make valid planning representations.
Press advertising
The Council advertises these applications in the local press:
- EIA applications accompanied by an Environmental Statement
- Applications that are a Departure from the Development Plan
- Applications affecting a public right of way**
- Applications for ‘major’** development including all applications for:
- the winning and working of minerals
- the use of land for mineral-working deposits
- waste development
- Applications for Listed Building Consent
- Applications affecting a Listed Building or its setting
- Applications affecting the character or appearance of a Conservation Area
- Prior Notifications for Telecommunications but only if the works:
- affect a public right of way
- are contrary to the development plan or
- the site area exceeds 1 hectare.
** More information is in the Validation Guide which can be accessed using this link: Validation updates
Site notices
The minimum publicity for most types of development is either:
- a site notice or
- a neighbour notification.
Site notices are required for some applications including:
- development affecting a Public Right of Way
- development representing a departure from the Development Plan
- applications for EIA development accompanied by an Environmental Statement
- major applications
- Permission in Principle
- Advertisement Consent
- Listed Building Consent for alterations or extension or demolition
- development in a Conservation Area.
- All other applications where there are no neighbours abutting the site
In order to reduce travel, a site notice will be posted to the applicant or agent to erect at the site. Where this is not possible neighbour notification letters will be sent to any properties abutting the site.
This site notice allows 21 days to comment on the application.
Comment on a planning application online
Please make your comments to the case officer within the given period. These needs to be in writing either:
- online using the link above
- by emailing planning@cornwall.gov.uk
- by letter
View our 'how to comment' factsheet
Neighbour notification
Anyone can comment on a planning application whether or not they receive a letter.
We notify all residential properties with boundaries abutting an application site in writing.
The case officer may also decide to notify other properties at the time of the site visit. This is when they consider the property might be materially affected in planning terms.
In all cases the notification will give 21 days from the letter date for the recipient or household to make comments.
Neighbours are not notified of applications for:
- advertisements
- Listed Building consent or
- to carry out works to trees.
Where a site notice is needed but cannot be put up on site, we may send neighbour notifications.
The Council can determine the application after the 21 day period. We do continue to accept comments:
- after the 21 days and
- up until the decision is made.
It is very important to meet any deadline or your comments may not be taken into account.
How to view applications
View the weekly list of applications online
We provide weekly lists of all the applications received during the preceding week.
Our online public register is accessed through the website. It provides details of all applications submitted. Online documentation will include:
- the application form
- accompanying plans/drawings
- supporting documents and
- the decision notice (after the decision has been made).
Please note that when viewing major applications, you may experience a delay. This may happen when there are a large number of documents to upload.
Online users can:
- submit comments concerning specific applications
- register to be notified of any applications submitted within an area such as a parish or postcode.
We are unable to provide hard copy planning files to view at Council offices. If you require information that is not available online, we can scan and email it. Please note there may be a charge depending on the enquiry.
To help speed up enquiries, please quote:
- the application reference and/or
- site address.