Cornwall Local Plan

Cornwall Council's statutory development plan (current 2010-2030, review under way) setting out planning policies for new development including renewable energy.

The Cornwall Local Plan: Strategic Policies 2010-2030, adopted in November 2016, provides the statutory framework for all planning decisions in Cornwall (excluding Isles of Scilly). A review is currently underway, with the Cornwall Local Plan 2030-2050 expected to be adopted in 2027.

Renewable energy policies are notably permissive: Policy 14 supports renewable and low-carbon energy proposals where they do not unacceptably harm landscape, heritage or amenity. Cornwall has a Climate Emergency declaration (2019) and the supporting Climate Emergency DPD (2023) further strengthens support for solar PV, heat pumps and wind in appropriate locations.

For Cornwall heat pump and solar applicants, the Local Plan generally supports approval. The bigger constraints are AONB, Heritage Coast, Conservation Area and listed-building considerations layered over the top. See our heat pump page and call 01209 596 002.