What Will Cornwall Look Like in 20 Years? Locals Share Their Vision at Council Events

Cornwall residents have been turning out in force to have their say on the future of the county as Cornwall Council begins the first phase of engagement for the new Cornwall Local Plan.

Communities Take the Lead

The council’s programme of Local Plan drop-in events has already seen sessions held in St Ives, Penzance, Camborne, Redruth, Saltash and Liskeard. The informal workshops, led by Creative Kernow, are giving people the chance to discuss what matters most about where they live and what changes they want to see over the next two decades.

Sian Lovie from Creative Kernow said:
“This is very early consultation to get a sense from communities about the really important things which are in their area.

“We want to hear about the exciting things in the places they live and the things that they want to see changed or protected over the next 10 years.

“People have been talking to us about a wide range of topics including housing, schools, healthcare, public transport, jobs, parking and the importance of protecting the natural environment.”

More Events Coming Up

The next stage of the drop-in programme will see events take place later this month and into November:

• St Austell – Wednesday, October 22 from 12pm to 3pm at St Austell Quaker Hall, PL25 4AN

• Lostwithiel – Wednesday, October 22 from 4pm to 7pm at Lostwithiel Church Rooms, PL22 0BZ

• Falmouth – Tuesday, November 4 from 11am to 2pm at Princess Pavilion, TR11 4AR

• Penryn – Tuesday, November 4 from 4pm to 7pm at Art Centre Penryn, TR10 8EH

Find out more about the Local Plan events here.

A Plan for Cornwall’s Future

Cornwall Council cabinet member for planning, Cllr Sarah Preece, said:
“The is a plan for the future of Cornwall and we want to make sure that it reflects the views of everyone who lives and works here.

“This first phase involves developing a Vision for Cornwall. While there will be a number of opportunities for people to have their say as the Local Plan develops, we are already seeing some key themes emerge from these events. I would encourage everyone to come to one of the events taking place between now and the end of January if they can to ensure that their views are taken into account.”

What Happens Next?

Beyond the drop-ins, the Local Plan team will continue talking to people and organisations across Cornwall over the coming months.

A draft Vision is expected to be produced by Summer 2026, followed by formal public consultation in Autumn 2026. The feedback gathered will shape the Draft Local Plan, which should be completed by late Spring 2027.

After further consultation over Summer 2027, a revised draft will be created before being submitted to the Secretary of State in Spring 2028 for a formal public inquiry led by an independent Planning Inspector.

Cornwall Council is expected to make a final decision on whether to adopt the Local Plan by the end of 2028.