Search, Comment, Apply or Contact Cornwall Planning Without Using the Wrong Route
Use this refreshed guide to find the right Cornwall Council planning action: search live applications, comment online, contact planning, submit through Planning Portal, check permission, avoid validation failure, understand BNG, use maps, or report a breach.
Most searchers do not need a long planning lecture. Pick the exact job below, follow the micro-steps, then use the official link placed beside that action.
What This Version Fixes Compared With Thin Search Results
Every official link is placed after a short explanation of when to use it and what to prepare.
Official source/PDF details are converted into steps, tables, checklists, warnings and contact cards.
This page serves real Cornwall tasks: search, comment, contact, validate, apply, map, BNG and breach help.
Key Cornwall Planning Facts Before You Click Anything
Jump to the Exact Help You Need
Cornwall Planning Contact Number, Email, Address and What to Say
Use the correct route so your issue is not passed between teams. Prepare the application reference, site address, screenshot, document name and a one-line issue summary before contacting.
| Need | Use this route | What to include | Do not use it for |
|---|---|---|---|
| General planning help | 0300 1234 151 / planning@cornwall.gov.uk | PA reference, address, document name, exact problem. | Planning Portal upload/payment issues. |
| Online register/account issue | webmanager@cornwall.gov.uk if unable to register | Device, browser, screenshot, email used. | Objection content or application advice. |
| Planning Portal problem | support@planningportal.co.uk / 0333 323 4589 | Planning Portal reference, upload/payment screenshot. | Cornwall public register problems. |
| Planning enforcement | Official breach report form first | Your details, site, start date, harm, photos. | Private boundary/covenant disputes. |
| GIS / map accessibility | gis@cornwall.gov.uk | Map layer, location, screenshot, issue. | Planning objection comments. |
| Postal comments | New County Hall, Treyew Road, Truro, TR1 3AY | Name, address, PA reference, site address, comment. | Time-critical comments close to decision. |
Search Cornwall Planning Applications Without Getting Lost
Use the live Cornwall register for existing applications, plans, public comments, decisions, conditions, alerts and tracking.
| You have | Search this first | If it fails | Practical trick |
|---|---|---|---|
| PA reference | Exact PA reference | Check whether it is PREAPP, appeal, condition, amendment or enforcement-related. | Copy from the site notice or neighbour letter, not from a social post. |
| Postcode | Full postcode | Remove the final letter for a wider area. | Full postcode may show only a few properties. |
| Rural site | Farm name, hamlet, parish, road | Use map search and zoom until property outlines show. | Try parish and nearby road if the farm name is recorded differently. |
| No address | Map search | Try village, parish, field name or proposal keyword. | Click inside the red line to open the record. |
| Pre-app reference | PREAPP reference | Expect limited information. | Pre-app is advice, not formal consent; comments are not needed. |
Open the official register
Start with Cornwall’s own register rather than cached search snippets or third-party summaries.
Open the full record
Check status, proposal, dates, documents, consultees, public comments, officer report and decision notice.
Understand record limits
Archived history may be incomplete. Withdrawn application documents are limited after two years. Invalid applications can be removed until extra information is received.
Set Up Cornwall Planning Alerts and Track a Case
Area alert micro-steps
Register or log in.
Search your area of interest.
For wider postcode coverage, remove the final postcode letter.
Click “save search” and choose email notifications.
Track one application
Search the application.
Open the case and click “track”.
Find it under “Tracked Applications” in your profile.
Set new alerts for amendments, reserved matters, condition discharges or fresh applications.
Documents to Open Before You Comment, Buy or Apply
Comment, Object or Support: Short Steps That Work
Use the online register
Email comments are no longer accepted for public planning comments. Online is the quickest route.
Log in before drafting
You need an account to comment, track applications and set up notifications.
Include required details
Add your name/address, application reference and site address. Anonymous or confidential comments cannot be accepted.
Submit early
Comments can be submitted until decision, but early comments are safer because the case officer may decide before late comments are seen.
Planning Reasons Cornwall Officers Can Actually Use
| Useful planning point | Usually not relevant | Better wording |
|---|---|---|
| Highway safety, traffic and parking | Developer identity or motives | Explain visibility, access width, turning, parking stress or pedestrian safety. |
| Design, layout and appearance | Effect on property value | Refer to scale, roof form, materials, massing, street scene or local character. |
| Noise, smells, disturbance, flood risk | Private neighbour disputes | Explain the specific harm and point to a plan/report where possible. |
| Daylight and privacy | Loss of private view | Mention window position, separation distance, height and orientation. |
| Trees, protected species, countryside, heritage | Private covenants or ownership arguments | Explain impact on protected assets, habitat, landscape or conservation setting. |
If You Received a Site Notice or Neighbour Letter
Copy the PA reference
Use that reference first. If missing, search by address, map, village, road or parish.
Open latest plans
Check existing/proposed drawings, red line, access, windows, height, drainage and tree/heritage/ecology reports.
Write one clear comment
Use short headings: traffic, design, privacy, drainage, trees, ecology, heritage, noise, smells or planning history.
Track the case
Log in and click track so you see revised plans and the final decision.
Do You Need Planning Permission or Building Control?
Some work needs planning permission, some needs building regulations approval, some needs both, and some may be permitted development. If you proceed wrongly, you may have to put things back.
| Situation | Best route | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Small householder project | Planning Portal permitted development guide | Rights can be removed by condition or Article 4 direction. |
| Informal confirmation wanted | Cornwall “Do I need?” checking service | Advice within 20 working days once all information is provided. |
| Formal legal certainty needed | Lawful Development Certificate | Formal process can take up to 8 weeks once valid. |
| Pre-application design advice | Pre-application advice | Advice within 30 working days once all information is provided. |
| Dropped kerb or new access | Planning checklist first, vehicle crossover licence after | Access permission depends on road/location and other consents. |
Apply Through Planning Portal Without Common Cornwall Delays
Cornwall encourages electronic submission. Planning Portal is the preferred route for forms, supporting documents and fees, but it is not run by Cornwall Council.
Read validation before upload
The Validation Guide exists to prevent invalid submissions and missing-information delays.
Choose the right form and fee
Check application type, ownership certificate, CIL, agricultural tenant notice and fee.
Prepare separate files
Use clear file names, legible PDFs, separate plans and the correct metric/file type where BNG applies.
Create a new case after a final outcome
After withdrawal, refusal, approval or a returned application, do not use the amend function; create a new application with a new reference.
Validation Guide PDF: What the 338-Page Document Means in Practice
The Validation Guide is a national-and-local-requirements checklist. It is not optional background reading for applicants; it decides whether your submission can be validated.
| PDF rule | Plain-English meaning | Action before submission |
|---|---|---|
| National Requirements + Local Requirements | Both can be required for the same application. | Check the exact application type checklist, not only the Planning Portal form. |
| Missing information = invalid | No further action is taken until required details are supplied. | Respond to every item in the invalid letter, not just the easiest ones. |
| 21 days + 7 days | A request is sent, then a further warning if information is not supplied. | Check agent/applicant emails after submission and reply quickly. |
| 10% administration fee risk | Returned invalid applications can lose part of the expected planning fee where processing has started. | Use the invalid-reasons checklist before paying. |
| Electronic delivery encouraged | Most applications are submitted via Planning Portal. | Use Planning Portal unless a specific form/route cannot be submitted there. |
Top Reasons Cornwall Applications Go Invalid
| Invalid reason | What to check | Fast fix |
|---|---|---|
| Missing CIL form | Is CIL information required? | Upload the correct CIL form or explain exemption. |
| No or incorrect fee | Fee calculator, exemption and payment route. | Pay correct fee at submission. |
| PROW not shown | Public Right of Way on/near the site. | Show it on site/block plan. |
| Bad location plan | North point, scale, access, red line. | Use up-to-date plan with correct site boundary. |
| Technical report missing | Contaminated land, flood risk, drainage, heritage, ecology, bat/barn owl survey. | Add reports before submission. |
| “Do not scale” wording | Plan title block and notes. | Remove wording that prevents the LPA from scaling from the drawing. |
Plan and Drawing Rules Hidden in the Validation Guidance
Applicant pre-upload plan checklist
- Use an identified standard metric scale and linear scale bar.
- Show north on location and block plans.
- Use up-to-date mapping for location/block plans.
- If the plan says 1:100 @ A3, upload/provide it at A3.
- Do not use Cornwall Council mapping screenshots with watermark/licence details as formal planning plans.
- Name files logically and upload each plan as a separate labelled document.
- Remove personal mobile numbers and unnecessary personal details to reduce redaction delays.
Biodiversity Net Gain, Ecology and Habitat Checks
BNG is a national requirement for applicable applications. It normally requires a 10% biodiversity improvement and clear minimum information at submission.
| BNG item | Prepare this | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| BNG condition statement | Say whether permission would be subject to biodiversity gain condition. | Assuming exemption without evidence. |
| Pre-development value | Completed metric calculation tool, version and publication date. | Using an old metric version. |
| Habitat plan | Scale, north point, onsite habitat and irreplaceable habitat. | Missing north point or unclear habitat boundary. |
| Degradation statement | Say if biodiversity value is lower because of prior activities. | Ignoring clearance or degradation before application. |
| Off-site gain | Follow off-site biodiversity gain process if outside red line. | Thinking blue-line land is automatically on-site. |
Use Cornwall Interactive Maps Before Applying or Reporting
Open the current map
Old Cornwall mapping bookmarks no longer work.
Search the site
Use address, place, postcode, parish, road or manual zoom.
Turn on layers
Check Environment and Planning, Listed Building, Historic Environment and Public Rights of Way layers.
Use map results carefully
Interactive mapping helps identify constraints, but is not a substitute for correct formal plans or professional reports.
Report a Planning Breach Only After Checking History
Cornwall can investigate actual or already-happened breaches, not anticipated future breaches. Residential works are investigated only where a high degree of harm can be shown.
Search permission first
Use address or map search. A red-line permission may already exist.
Check permitted development
Some alterations do not need planning permission.
Prepare evidence
Your details, site address/location, person/company if known, reason, start date, harm, whether harm continues, photos.
Choose the right form
Building works, change of use, condition/plan breach, listed building, conservation demolition, protected trees, adverts or other planning enforcement matter.
| Can be enforcement | Usually not enforcement |
|---|---|
| Building or engineering work needing permission | Boundary or land ownership dispute |
| Use of land/building without permission | Party wall or covenant issue |
| Breach of planning condition or approved plan | High hedge neighbour dispute |
| Protected tree works or listed building/conservation demolition | Anticipated breach not yet happening |
New County Hall Planning Address and Map
Postal comments and paper application routes should use: Cornwall Council Planning Department, New County Hall, Treyew Road, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3AY.
New County Hall, Treyew Road, Truro TR1 3AY
Use the map for location reference only. Online register, email and official forms are usually faster than travelling.
Official Cornwall Planning Links Placed by Task
Online Planning Register
Use for existing applications, documents, comments, alerts and tracking.
Open RegisterContact Planning
Use for planning support, team roles, phone and email route.
Open Contact PageRespond to Applications
Use for comment rules, petitions, AI note, postal route and appeal limits.
Read Comment RulesMake an Application
Use for Planning Portal route, 25MB limit, forms, payments and address.
Read Application GuidanceValidation Guide
Use before submitting: national/local requirements, missing information and checks.
Open PDFMake a Better Application
Use for common invalid reasons: CIL, fee, plans, PROW, drainage, heritage, ecology.
Open ChecklistDo I Need Permission?
Use for permitted development, checking service, LDC, HMO, access and renewables.
Check PermissionBiodiversity Net Gain
Use for 10% gain, metric file, exemptions, habitat plans and off-site units.
Open BNG GuidanceRelated Cornwall Guides on This Site
Cornwall Planning Portal
Useful if you want a broader search, map, login and application walkthrough.
Read Cornwall Planning Portal GuideCornwall Council Planning
Useful if you want applications, permission, comments, validation and breach guidance in one page.
Read Cornwall Council Planning GuideCornwall-Specific Planning Tips That Save Time
Search farm name, hamlet, parish, road and map if postcode search fails.
Check heritage, conservation, landscape and ecology constraints before assuming a small change is simple.
If a path, bridleway or track crosses the site, it can affect both validation and comments.
One specific planning point with a drawing reference is better than long generic objection text.
Use separate, labelled plan PDFs and remove personal numbers to reduce redaction delays.
Only report work that has happened or is happening; Cornwall cannot act on an anticipated future breach.
Official Source and PDF Details Converted Into This Page
- Online register: search, view, comments, alerts, tracking, invalid/withdrawn record limits and troubleshooting.
- Comments: online route, no email comments, account requirement, publication, AI note, postal delay and third-party appeal limits.
- Contacts: planning support, planning service team roles, New County Hall postal address, register account help, GIS support and Planning Portal support.
- Planning Portal: electronic forms, supporting documents, fee payment, 25MB file limit and new-reference rule after final outcomes.
- Validation PDF: national/local requirements, invalid status, 21+7-day missing-info process, 10% administration fee risk and plan requirements.
- BNG: 10% gain, mandatory dates, metric file rules, exemptions, degradation statement, habitat plan and red-line/off-site distinction.
- Mapping: old maps decommissioned, new basemaps, constraints, GIS accessibility route and OS map-use caution.
- Enforcement: high-harm threshold for residential works, no anticipated breaches, required evidence, report types and enforcement options.
Cornwall Council Planning Portal FAQs
What is the official Cornwall Council planning portal?
Most users mean Cornwall Council’s online planning register. It is used to search applications, view documents, comment, track cases and save alerts.
What is Cornwall Council’s planning phone number?
Cornwall Council lists Planning contact as 0300 1234 151.
What is Cornwall Council’s planning email?
Cornwall Council lists planning@cornwall.gov.uk for planning support and general planning enquiries.
Can I comment on Cornwall planning applications by email?
No. Cornwall Council says public comments submitted by email are no longer accepted. Use the online planning register comment route.
Where do I send written planning comments?
Send written comments to Cornwall Council Planning Department, New County Hall, Treyew Road, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3AY. Hard-copy comments can take up to 7 working days to process.
Why can’t I find a Cornwall planning application?
The address may be recorded differently, full postcode may be too narrow, the application may be invalid and temporarily removed, or withdrawn documents may be limited after two years.
What is Planning Portal used for in Cornwall?
Planning Portal is used to submit planning applications electronically, complete forms, upload supporting documents and pay fees. It is separate from Cornwall Council’s public register.
What makes a Cornwall planning application invalid?
Common causes include missing CIL form, wrong fee, poor location plan, missing PROW, contaminated land report, flood risk assessment, “do not scale” plans, foul drainage form, heritage statement or ecology survey.
When does BNG apply in Cornwall?
BNG is mandatory for applicable major developments from 12 February 2024 and minor/other applicable applications from 2 April 2024. Exemptions can apply, but they should be justified clearly.
How do I report a Cornwall planning breach?
Search planning history first. If the issue still appears to be a breach, use Cornwall’s official breach report route and provide your name, contact details, site location, reason, start date, harm and photos if available.
Final Summary: Cornwall Planning Actions
Use Cornwall Council’s online planning register for applications, documents, comments, tracking and alerts.
Use 0300 1234 151 or planning@cornwall.gov.uk for general planning support.
Use Planning Portal for forms, uploads and fee payment. Check validation, CIL, BNG, plans and reports before submission.
Search history first, then report only actual or already-happened planning breaches with clear evidence.