URL: https://democracy.cornwall.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=8608

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To move to the formal stages, the Council must agree with the Government our place in their national phasing. The Council wants to progress early in 2026 and it would be helpful to have a resolution to that effect.  However, that will rely upon on regulations yet to be published. This report will also be an opportunity to report on further iterations of scenario testing from September 2025 and any subsequent consultation although the timing of this report is dependent on dialogue with the Government and whether regulations are published as anticipated.

Content: To move to the formal stages, the Council must agree with the Government our place in their national phasing. The Council wants to progress early in 2026 and it would be helpful to have a resolution to that effect.  However, that will rely upon on regulations yet to be published. This report will also be an opportunity to report on further iterations of scenario testing from September 2025 and any subsequent consultation although the timing of this report is dependent on dialogue with the Government and whether regulations are published as anticipated. DECISION:   RESOLVED:   1.  That authority be delegated to the Service Director for Planning and Housing to publish the notices and timetables required, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, to initiate the formal stages of work on a Local Plan for Cornwall. 2.  That authority be delegated to the Service Director for Planning and Housing to respond to the Government consultation on Spatial Development Strategy geographies to set out the Council’s wish to prepare one for Cornwall specifically, consistent with our intended Foundation Strategic Authority status. 3.  That authority be delegated to the Service Director for Planning and Housing to commence any necessary work (including publication of notices or timetables, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, unless otherwise directed by the Cabinet) relating to the preparation of a Spatial Development Strategy for Cornwall, using a common evidence base with the Local Plan and seeking to align the associated timetables, subject to any relevant enabling regulations. 4.  That, in respect of recommendation 3 above, the Council confirms its intent to act as the Strategic Planning Authority for Cornwall, subject to the relevant enabling legislation. 5.  Notwithstanding recommendations 1 to 4 above, that the Council confirms its intent to properly and fully work in co-operation with neighbouring authorities on matters of shared interest, including but not limited to those informed by relevant travel to work areas, education and health facilities that relate specifically to the east of Cornwall and key rail, road and ferry links, as well as acknowledging the key role of the strategic route to the Isles of Scilly and associated links to further education. 6.  That the first report on community engagement work, as set out at Appendix 2 to the report, be accepted as a key reference point for further developing the vision, principles and themes for the Spatial Development Strategy and Local Plan. 7.  That a further £1.200m from the Place & Green Growth reserve be approved to support the programme costs which are in addition to the previously approved reserve funding of £2.540m.     Reason for the Decision:    As contained within the report.   Alternative options considered:   None other than contained within the report.   Conflicts of interest declared:   None.   Dispensations granted in respect of a conflict of interest:   N/A  

Date of Decision: March 18, 2026