Business Support Services
We offer paid for and free Planning and Building Control services that can help in:
- starting up your business
- growing your business
- having the right premises for your business.
Our planners and building control officers offer expertise and professional advice in all aspects of the built environment in Cornwall.
Whether you are looking to build, convert or extend, we can help you get it right first time, saving you money and time. These services include:
- helping you to understand and apply the relevant legislation
- our knowledge of the nature and challenges in Cornwall
- convenient points of contact
- proven and up to date expertise in Planning and Building Control
- free signposting service
- chargeable support and advice packages on a cost only basis (we do not make a profit from these services).
Premises advice
We can guide you through the planning and building regulations requirements. This will help your business grow and improve your premises.
Most works to the outside of a place of business need planning consent. You can check using this link: Do I need planning consent and building regulations? If you do need permission, you can seek pre-application advice.
Farmers can carry out certain works without the need for planning permission. More information can be found in the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015.
Pre-application advice
Planning officers provide pre-application advice which shows how we will determine any future planning application. Any required changes will give your scheme the best chance of being granted a planning permission. The benefits of pre-application advice are:
- Getting advice before you make an application can save you time and money.
- You will normally get a quicker decision once you submit your application.
- There are likely to be fewer conditions attached to any permission.
Seeking our advice, and following it, does not guarantee that planning permission will be granted. Sometimes other factors, particularly concerning the impact on neighbouring properties, can result in additional issues. It will mean that you have the best possible opportunity to negotiate a positive outcome.
Our pledge to you
We have made a commitment to help businesses succeed. We will provide specialist and tailored advice for your business needs.
Working with the Better Business for All Partnership (BBFA), we will:
- help you get it right first time
- work with you to help your business comply with regulations
- help reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens.
When we work with your business this means that we will:
- gain an understanding of your business and agree a solution that:
- is best for you and
- also protects what is special about Cornwall
- help you achieve Planning and Building Control compliance in the most cost-effective way
- agree timescales, expectations and preferred methods of communication at the outset with you
- explain our reasoning.
Our fees and charges guide gives you the opportunity to purchase the services you need with complete clarity.
Applying for planning permission
- Do I need planning consent or building regulations?
- Pre-application advice (planning and building control)
- Application process
- Advice and guidance
- Building Control