Find, Map-Check and Track Cornwall Planning Cases
Use this guide when you need the Cornwall Council planning portal, planning applications search, planning register, application documents, map search, permission checks or planning department contact details.
It is built around real user tasks: find a planning application, understand the planning map, comment online, prepare a valid submission, avoid invalid reasons, check BNG and contact the correct Cornwall planning route.
Quick answer: use the Cornwall online planning register for existing planning applications, planning documents, public comments, map search, tracking and email alerts. Use the Planning Portal when you are submitting a new application, uploading documents and paying the planning application fee.
If you are unsure whether planning permission is needed, start with Cornwall’s “Do I need planning permission?” guidance. If you are applying, check the Validation Guide, constraints tool, BNG guidance, fee rules and “make a better application” page before upload.
Choose the Right Cornwall Planning Route
The correct route depends on what you need to do. The planning register, Planning Portal, constraint checker, pre-application advice and enforcement form solve different problems.
I want to search an application
Use Cornwall’s online planning register. Search by reference, address, road, village, parish, postcode area, weekly list, proposal keyword or map search.
I want to comment or object
Open the register record, read the latest plans, sign in or register, then submit comments online. Cornwall no longer accepts public comments by email.
I want to know if permission is needed
Use Cornwall’s “Do I need planning permission?” route first. For formal proof, consider a Lawful Development Certificate instead of informal guidance.
I want to submit an application
Use the Planning Portal after checking the Cornwall Validation Guide, constraints, fee rules, BNG, CIL and plan standards.
I want the planning map
Use the register map search for planning cases and Cornwall’s constraint checker or interactive map for site designations and mapped constraints.
I want to report a breach
Search planning history first. Then report the breach with address, evidence, dates, harm caused and photographs where available.
Cornwall Planning Register vs Planning Portal
These two names are often confused. Use the register for existing public records. Use Planning Portal for starting a new planning application.
| User task | Correct route | Important micro-step |
|---|---|---|
| Search Cornwall Council planning applications | Cornwall online planning register | Use reference first, then address, postcode, parish, road, keyword, weekly list or map search. |
| View planning documents | Documents tab in the register | Open the latest drawing revision and decision notice, not only the proposal summary. |
| Comment on a live application | Planning register account | Register or log in, then use the online public comment route. |
| Track an application | Planning register profile | Click “track” on the application record and check the Tracked Applications area. |
| Submit a new planning application | Planning Portal | Complete the form, upload documents and pay the fee through Planning Portal where used. |
| Fix Planning Portal upload/payment issue | Planning Portal support | Use Planning Portal support, not the Cornwall case officer, for portal payment or account problems. |
Cornwall Council Planning Application Search Step by Step
The search register is the main place to check planning applications, planning decisions, site documents and related records. Use the smallest reliable search first, then widen the search if needed.
Start with the application reference
The reference from a neighbour letter, site notice, parish agenda, agent email or decision notice is the strongest search. Copy it carefully and remove extra spaces or punctuation.
Search by address if you do not have the reference
Try the property name, road, village, hamlet, postcode area, farm name or parish. Rural addresses in Cornwall often appear differently from how local people describe them.
Use advanced search for wider areas
If you want applications across a parish or broader postcode area, use advanced search. Cornwall advises that a full postcode can be too narrow, while leaving off the final letter can cover a wider area.
Open the application record
Check description, status, important dates, parish, case officer, documents, comments, consultee replies, related cases and decision information.
Save the evidence you rely on
Write down the reference, latest plan number, decision status, condition numbers, document date and screenshot if you are buying, objecting, appealing or checking enforcement risk.
Cornwall Planning Map, Constraint Checker and Nearby Cases
Map search is especially helpful in Cornwall because many sites are rural parcels, coastal plots, farms, hamlets, lanes, estates or named cottages with unclear postal addresses.
Use map search for unclear sites
Zoom to the road, hamlet, farm, field, harbour, coastal plot or village, then click application markers or red-line areas to open the record.
Use the constraint checker before applying
The constraint checker lets you plot the site, view planning constraints and produce a constraints report. Use it alongside the Validation Guide, not instead of it.
Check site designations
Look for conservation areas, listed buildings, public rights of way, trees, habitats, flood risk, mining legacy, coastal constraints and historic environment layers.
Cornwall Planning Register Login, Tracking and Alerts
A register account helps you comment, track a specific application and save searches for alerts. This is different from a Planning Portal application account.
| Need | Account/tool | Micro-step |
|---|---|---|
| Comment online | Cornwall planning register account | Register, open the application, read documents and use the online comment route. |
| Track one application | Tracked Applications tab | Search the case, click “track”, then watch for update emails. |
| Receive alerts in an area | Saved search notifications | Run a search, click “save search”, then choose email notification. |
| Monitor a parish | Advanced search | Use the parish or advanced options instead of a full postcode. |
| Submit a new application | Planning Portal account | Use a separate Planning Portal account for forms, uploads and payment. |
Documents to Open Before You Comment, Buy or Build
The proposal summary is not enough. Use the documents tab to confirm the latest drawings, decisions, conditions and technical reports.
| Document | What it tells you | What to check carefully |
|---|---|---|
| Location plan | Where the site is and which land is included. | Red-line boundary, access route, road names, blue ownership land and whether the correct land is shown. |
| Block or site plan | How the proposal sits on the site. | Boundaries, parking, turning space, levels, public rights of way, trees, drainage and neighbour relationship. |
| Existing and proposed elevations | How the building changes. | Height, windows, roof form, materials, privacy, heritage setting and latest revision number. |
| Design, planning or access statement | The applicant’s explanation of the proposal. | Whether the explanation matches local character, policy, access, heritage, ecology and site constraints. |
| Ecology, BNG or tree report | Habitat, species, biodiversity and tree impacts. | Survey date, season, mitigation, metric version, hedges, bats, birds, protected trees and gain plan route. |
| Heritage statement | Impact on listed buildings, conservation areas or historic settings. | Significance, materials, setting, street scene and whether the assessment is site-specific. |
| Officer report and decision notice | Assessment, decision, reasons and conditions. | Approved plan numbers, time limit, pre-commencement conditions and restrictions on use. |
Comment, Object or Support on Cornwall Planning Applications
Cornwall says the best way to submit comments is online through the planning register. Public comments submitted by email are no longer accepted, and petitions are not accepted under the Council Petition Scheme.
Read the latest plans first
Check revised drawing numbers and upload dates. Your comment should respond to the current proposal, not a replaced plan.
Use your name, address and reference
Cornwall says confidential or anonymous comments cannot be accepted. Include the application reference and explain your relationship to the site.
Use planning headings
Structure comments under design, scale, access, highway safety, privacy, drainage, ecology, trees, heritage, public rights of way or policy.
Submit as early as possible
Comments can be submitted until the decision, but early comments are safer because the case officer may reach a decision before late comments are reviewed.
| Planning points that can matter | Usually weak or non-planning points |
|---|---|
| Design, scale, layout, materials and local character | House price concerns |
| Highway safety, access, visibility, parking and turning | Personal dislike of the applicant or agent |
| Privacy, daylight, noise, drainage, flood risk and residential amenity | Private boundary, party wall or covenant disputes |
| Heritage, trees, biodiversity, protected species and public rights of way | Loss of private view without wider planning impact |
Do You Need Cornwall Council Planning Permission?
Some projects need planning permission, some need building regulations, some need both, and some may be permitted development. Cornwall’s checking route can help before you apply.
Use the “Do I need?” route
Use it for informal guidance when you are unsure whether permission or consent may be needed. Cornwall says advice is provided within 30 working days once all information is supplied.
Use an LDC for formal proof
A Lawful Development Certificate can confirm whether an existing use is lawful or whether proposed development is lawful for planning purposes.
Check site restrictions
Conditions, Article 4 directions, listed buildings, conservation areas, tree protection, public rights of way, habitat, drainage, coast, mining and access can change the answer.
Make a Cornwall Planning Application Without Avoidable Delays
Cornwall encourages electronic submission, and Planning Portal is the preferred online route. The key is to check validation, constraints and fees before upload.
Before opening the Planning Portal
- Confirm the correct application type.
- Check whether planning permission is needed.
- Read Cornwall’s Validation Guide and validation updates.
- Use the constraint checker for the site.
- Prepare ownership certificates and agricultural tenant notices where required.
- Check statutory fee and payment route.
- Identify BNG, ecology, CIL, heritage, drainage, tree, nutrient, fire, highways or design evidence.
Before upload
- Use clear, separate PDF documents where possible.
- Name files logically and match them to the checklist.
- Make sure each plan has a drawing number and scale bar.
- Remove personal data such as mobile numbers and signatures from public documents.
- Do not submit vague options; submit one clear proposal.
- Use the correct file type for BNG metric information.
- Keep payment receipt, portal reference and submitted plan set.
Cornwall Validation Guide and Invalid Application Fixes
Validation checks whether the application includes the relevant information and fee. Cornwall says missing information makes the application invalid, and no further action is taken until the applicant or agent supplies what is required.
| Invalid reason or risk | Why it matters | Fix before submission |
|---|---|---|
| CIL form completed incorrectly | CIL details can affect validation and liability. | Use the correct CIL information and match it to the proposal and floor area. |
| Public Right of Way not shown | PROW can affect access, layout, safety and consultation. | Show affected or influenced rights of way on the block or site plan. |
| Plans contain “do not scale” wording | Cornwall expects plans to allow the LPA to scale from drawings. | Remove it or replace it with suitable planning wording. |
| Missing heritage statement | Listed buildings, conservation areas and historic settings need assessment. | Provide a proportionate statement explaining significance, impact and mitigation. |
| Incorrect BNG exemption | Wrong exemption claims can delay or invalidate the application. | Check latest Cornwall BNG guidance and provide evidence for any exemption. |
| Ecology trigger list completed incorrectly | Protected species and habitat issues may need surveys. | Use the correct trigger list and allow for survey seasons. |
| Missing green infrastructure information | GI can affect design, biodiversity, landscape and validation. | Prepare relevant plans or statements before upload. |
| Missing or wrong fee | The application may not be released or validated. | Use Cornwall fee guidance and pay through the correct route. |
Plan and Drawing Rules for Cornwall Planning Applications
A drawing can look professional and still fail validation if it misses basic planning requirements. Use this quick audit before upload.
Location and block plan checks
- Use an up-to-date map.
- Use an identified standard metric scale.
- Show a scale bar matching the scale ratio.
- Indicate north on location and block plans.
- Include the full red-line site boundary.
- Show Ordnance Survey copyright and licence number where relevant.
Drawing quality and upload checks
- Provide plans at the stated scale and page size.
- Upload drawings in the correct orientation.
- Number each plan.
- Name and title each file logically.
- Submit plans and reports as separate labelled files.
- Remove unnecessary personal data before public upload.
BNG, Ecology, Trees and Cornwall Site Constraints
Cornwall’s coast, countryside, protected species, hedges, trees, mining legacy, historic environment and rural sites make ecology and constraints especially important.
Biodiversity Net Gain
BNG is a 10% biodiversity improvement requirement where it applies. Cornwall’s BNG guidance should be checked before submission because exemptions and metric requirements can change.
2026 BNG update to check
Cornwall’s live planning agents update says new BNG exemption changes apply to new applications received from 6 August 2026. Always check the latest BNG page before relying on an exemption.
Ecology trigger lists
Use the correct trigger list for householder, minor or other development. Survey season, species and habitat evidence can affect timing.
Trees and conservation areas
Check Tree Preservation Orders, trees in conservation areas and tree works guidance before pruning, removing or designing near important trees.
Coast and land stability
Cliff, slope, coastal erosion, mining, quarry, drainage and ground stability risks can create extra design or validation requirements.
Public rights of way
If a right of way is affected or influenced, show it on plans and consider construction access, safety, amenity and route impact early.
Cornwall Planning Fees, Refunds and Pre-Application Advice
Do not estimate fees from an old article or a neighbour’s application. Fee rules, payment route and refund handling depend on the application type and submission route.
Planning application fees
For most Planning Portal submissions, the fee must be paid through the Planning Portal. Cornwall says applications are not released to the Council without that payment.
- Check statutory fee guidance before payment.
- Pay Planning Portal applications through Planning Portal.
- For hard-copy applications, use Cornwall’s online or phone payment route where allowed.
- Keep the receipt, reference and PIN information.
Pre-application advice
Use pre-application advice when you know permission is required and need officer or consultee advice before a formal application.
- Use “Do I need?” instead if your question is whether permission is required.
- Submit one clear proposal, not multiple vague options.
- Include a red-edged location map and scaled site plan.
- Wait for the reference and payment instructions before payment.
Report a Cornwall Planning Breach Only After Checking History
Cornwall can investigate unauthorised development or breach of condition, but it cannot investigate every neighbour dispute or anticipated future problem as a planning breach.
Issues Cornwall can investigate
- Building or engineering work that needs permission but does not have it.
- Development not following approved plans.
- Breach of planning condition.
- Change of use without permission.
- Unauthorised advertisements.
- Works to protected trees, listed buildings or conservation areas without necessary consent.
Usually not planning enforcement
- Boundary or land ownership disputes.
- Party wall issues.
- Private covenants.
- Anticipated breaches that have not happened yet.
- Noise, smells or light pollution that should be reported through nuisance routes.
- Dangerous structures or highways issues that have separate reporting routes.
Cornwall Council Planning Contact, Department and Phone Number
Use the contact route that matches your task. Cornwall says most issues are quickest online, but the planning service phone and email are published.
Planning department phone
0300 1234 151
Use for Cornwall planning contact routes, hard-copy payment routes where relevant and general planning help.
Planning email
planning@cornwall.gov.uk
Use only where Cornwall directs email use. Do not use it for public planning comments because email comments are not accepted.
Postal address
Cornwall Council Planning Department
New County Hall
Treyew Road
Truro
Cornwall TR1 3AY
Useful Same-Site Planning Guides and Policies
These internal links are added because they help users understand similar planning-search tasks, rural map-search issues and source-checking rules. They are not random doorway links.
Useful Official Cornwall Planning Links by Task
Use these official links after choosing the correct task above. Keep your address, postcode, application reference, drawing number or draft documents ready.
Independent guide note: this page helps you choose the right Cornwall planning route. Always verify live deadlines, fees, forms, validation rules, comments, documents and decisions on Cornwall Council or Planning Portal before acting.
Cornwall Council Planning FAQs
Where do I search Cornwall Council planning applications?
Use the Cornwall online planning register. Search by application reference, address, road, village, parish, postcode area, proposal keyword, weekly list or map search.
Is the Cornwall planning register the same as Planning Portal?
No. The Cornwall planning register is for searching, viewing, commenting, tracking and alerts on existing applications. Planning Portal is used to submit new applications, upload documents and pay fees.
Can I email comments on Cornwall planning applications?
No. Cornwall says public comments submitted by email are no longer accepted. Use the online planning register comment route, or follow the postal guidance where necessary.
What is the Cornwall Council planning department phone number?
The published Cornwall planning contact number is 0300 1234 151. The general planning email is planning@cornwall.gov.uk.
How do I use the Cornwall Council planning map?
Use map search in the online register to find nearby applications or unclear sites. Use Cornwall’s constraint checker or interactive mapping to check constraints and designations before applying.
Do I need planning permission in Cornwall?
Use Cornwall’s “Do I need planning permission?” route if you are unsure. For formal certainty, a Lawful Development Certificate can confirm whether existing or proposed development is lawful.
Why might my Cornwall planning application be invalid?
Common reasons include wrong or missing fee, incorrect CIL form, missing ownership details, PROW not shown, “do not scale” drawings, missing heritage statement, incorrect BNG exemption, missing ecology information or poor plan standards.
What should I read before objecting to a Cornwall planning application?
Read the location plan, proposed drawings, site plan, design statement, technical reports, consultee responses, public comments, officer report and any revised drawings before submitting an objection.
Does Biodiversity Net Gain apply to Cornwall planning applications?
BNG applies to many developments where not exempt. Cornwall’s BNG page explains the 10% requirement, exemptions, metric guidance and biodiversity gain plan process. Check the live page because 2026 exemption rules changed.
How do I report a Cornwall planning breach?
Search the planning register first to check whether permission exists. If you still believe there is a breach, use Cornwall’s breach report route and provide your details, the site address, breach description, start date, harm and photos where available.