Why do we need a plan?

History and evidence for our draft plan

A planning consultant has been engaged to compile a comprehensive evidence base for the most important and relevant facts about The Parish of Pelynt. This evidence base compiled over three years has been used to justify the policies that will become planning law when accepted by Cornwall Council. The final decision to adopt our plan will be by a referendum of all eligible parishioners. Read or download the Evidence Document here.

Before the Localism Act 2011 created the concept of Neighbourhood Development Plans [NDPs] the only local government bodies that could produce land-use plans to control development in their areas were district and unitary authorities such as Cornwall Council. After the Act that power, subject to certain rules, was also given to local councils such as Pelynt Parish Council.

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Creating an NDP is therefore a significant opportunity to develop a shared vision for our area, to shape, direct and help to deliver sustainable development by influencing local planning decisions. Once it has passed through a number of stages required by the Neighbourhood Plan regulations the Pelynt NDP will become part of the formal Development Plan for Cornwall. This can then guide and inform those proposing development and those who consider and decide upon planning applications within Cornwall Council. The plan can also be used by Planning Inspectors when dealing with Planning Appeals.


The planning system in England is based on legislation, planning policy and guidance. Policies are instructions that inform what development can and can’t do. National planning policies are set by the government for the whole of England in the National Planning Policy Framework 2021 and by Local Planning Authorities for their local areas. In our case it is Cornwall Council’s Local Plan.

The Neighbourhood Plan gives local people greater ownership of the plans and policies that affect their area. Through the Pelynt NDP we can set out what we expect from any new development and importantly, what we want protected and what is deficient and requires enhancement.