CORNWALL residents are invited to a series of drop-in events where they can share their views on the things that are important to them and what they would like to change about where they live.

Led by Creative Kernow, the sessions will run over the next five months, and are designed to help shape the future of Cornwall over the next 20 years.

They are the first phase of an extensive programme of public engagement activities being carried out by Cornwall Council to support the development of the new Cornwall Local Plan, setting out what can be built and where, and creating rules on everything that makes up a place, from what to protect and how buildings are designed to how people get around.

Themes will include housing, employment space, retail areas, town centres, business and industrial parks, energy generation, new schools, health and community facilities, transport, and green infrastructure such as parks, local wildlife areas and woodlands.

The current plan covers the period from 2010 up to 2030. The new plan will cover the period up to 2050, and will need to consider how Cornwall responds to the challenges of an increasing and ageing population, climate change and nature recovery, and levelling up economic opportunity.

“A Local Plan tells the story of what our towns, villages, hamlets and countryside are like now, and what we want them to be like in the future,” said Cllr Sarah Preece, Cornwall Council cabinet member for planning. “To understand what works now and what could be better, we need everyone to get involved and have a say in the future of Cornwall.

“This means working with local people to find ways to treasure what is important to them, while shaping places that can thrive in our changing world.”

Information from the drop-in events will be used to support the development of a Vision for Cornwall to link all the different areas of the plan. “These sessions are just the beginning of a series of conversations we will be having with different people and organisations across Cornwall over the coming months as our work on preparing the plan progresses,” said Cllr Preece.

“We know all our places are different, and will be looking to follow up these first sessions with specific conversations in individual places. By working together, we can ensure that we deliver homes that are better connected to shops, schools, things to do and work, and improve our natural environment.”

Sessions take place from 12 noon to 3pm and 4pm to 7pm on the following dates. Venues are to be confirmed. Sessions are free, but online reservation is requested to help manage attendee numbers. https://www.tickettailor.com/events/creativekernowcornwallcouncil

· Wednesday, October 8: Camborne and Redruth

· Tuesday, October 14: Saltash and Liskeard

· Wednesday, October 22: St Austell and Lostwithiel

· Tuesday, November 4: Falmouth and Penryn

· Wednesday, November 12: Saints Coast (St Agnes) and Newquay

· Tuesday, November 18: Callington and Launceston

· Wednesday, January 14: Bude and North Cornwall

· Wednesday, January 21: Bugle and St Stephen

· Wednesday, January 28: South Kerrier and Helston