Communities asked to have their say on plan to build 47,500 homes in Cornwall

Communities in Cornwall are being asked to have their say on a planning document that will help shape the future of the county for the next 20 years.
Cornwall Council has invited people to comment on the latest version of the Cornwall Local Plan, which sets out the council’s aims and planning policies for new housing, community facilities and essential public services until 2030.
Councillors increased the number of houses included in the planning document to 47,500 in January, up from the 42,250 agreed just over a year ago.
The consultation process will give communities the chance to comment on the updated plans and suggest any changes they feel necessary.
The feedback will then be provided to the Secretary of State and considered at a public examination, when the plans head for approval.
Edwina Hannaford, cabinet member for environment, heritage and planning, said it was vital to have a plan in place as quickly as possible.
She said: “While I recognise the concerns which have been expressed over the proposed increase in housing, we need to ensure that our figures are realistic and reflect the proposed increases in population and the number of planning permissions which have already been granted in Cornwall”.
She continued “This will strengthen the draft Local Plan’s position when it is put forward to the Secretary of State for examination and provide a greater contribution towards meeting housing need. The plan’s policies also promote important issues such as the local economy, affordable housing, community facilities, renewable energy and other essential infrastructure whilst incorporating measures to enhance Cornwall’s natural and historic assets.”
The new consultation process has just begun and will last until 28 April.
The proposed changes and associated documents can be viewed in council libraries and one stop shops, as well as on the Cornwall Local Plan pages of the Cornwall Council website.
Unless significant new issues are raised in this consultation, the council will then submit the plan to the Secretary of State.
Cornwall’s Head of Planning Phil Mason, said: “This may be the last chance for members of the public to lodge comments for the examination. We are conscious that people put a lot of effort into the last consultation and we are happy to accept comments which were made previously”.
“If, in light of changes to our plan, people want to amend their comments we are also happy to accept minor amendments and the substantive content of their original representation will remain. People can also resubmit a replacement comment if they want to.”