EACH week, hundreds of planning applications come before Cornwall Council’s planning department, seeking to win approval for various plans right across the Duchy, with some concerning Holsworthy handled by Torridge District Council.

These plans can comprise of a number of different reasonings– ranging from permission to replace windows or listed building consent ranging up to large house building developments or changing of use of a building, for instance, from an office to a café, or flats.

Within this large and often complex system, there are a number of formats from which planning advice and approval can be sought.

These range from full applications where all the details which comprise a proposed development or work to a building are submitted, to outline applications, where further details are yet to be confirmed, for example, an outline application with reserved matters for appearance may not confirm the final proposed development but rather seek permission in principle.

An example of this is one for an outline permission for 20 dwellings on land with reserved matters for appearance and scale; the reserved matters would require further permission later for their inclusion.

Other types of applications include pre-application advice requests, where would-be developers submit often outline proposals to a local authority to ascertain whether it is likely to gain support or not prior to submitting a planning application.

The vast majority of applications are decided by planning officers employed by a local authority under ‘delegated powers’, meaning they do so on behalf of their employer, however, some applications are ‘called in’ by local councillors to be discussed at an area’s strategic planning committee meeting, meaning the final decision rests with a committee of councillors.

A CORNWALL Council owned developer has started construction on the Normandy Way Business Hub in Bodmin — a new investment in Cornwall’s business infrastructure, supported by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme.

Located on the established Walker Lines Industrial Estate, the development by Treveth will deliver seven high-quality, sustainable workspace units designed to meet the needs of light industrial, manufacturing, distribution, and warehousing occupiers.

This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Cornwall Council is responsible for managing projects funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund through the Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme.

Construction is being led by Poltair Construction Ltd, with work now underway and completion anticipated in March 2026. Once finished, the site will provide 910 sqm (9,795 sq ft) of modern, flexible space capable of supporting up to 25 employees.

Each of the new units is designed to B2/B8 use class and built to high sustainability and accessibility standards. Key features include:

The development will also deliver a biodiversity net gain through enhanced landscaping and sustainable site design.

Treveth’s managing director, Tim Mulholland, said the Normandy Way Business Hub represents a significant step forward in supporting Cornwall’s growing business community.

“We’re delighted to be breaking ground on the Normandy Way Business Hub — an important step in Treveth’s mission to deliver modern, sustainable workspace across Cornwall. Demand for high-quality industrial and commercial space remains strong, and this development will help address that need while supporting local business growth and job creation. The support from the Shared Prosperity Fund has been crucial in helping us bring this vision forward.”

Commercial property agent Alan Treloar of Vickery Holman, who is marketing the new units, said demand for flexible, sustainable workspace across Cornwall remains strong.

“There’s a real shortage of modern, flexible workspace in Cornwall, and Treveth’s approach to tenant-focused, sustainable development is exactly what the market needs. Normandy Way Business Hub offers businesses the opportunity to grow with confidence in a well-connected, high-quality setting.”

The new Hub builds on Treveth’s growing commercial property portfolio, which includes developments across Cornwall designed to stimulate local employment, attract inward investment, and generate long-term value for the region.

This latest project aligns with Treveth’s wider mission to deliver flexible, tenant-focused commercial space that contributes to Cornwall’s economic growth while meeting environmental goals.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund proactively supports delivery of the UK Government’s five national missions: pushing power out to communities everywhere, with a specific focus to help kickstart economic growth and promote opportunities in all parts of the UK.

Treveth owns and manages commercial units across Bodmin, Helston, Pool, and Falmouth, all of which are currently fully let. The developer aims to deliver at least 5,000 sq m of commercial space across Cornwall each year.

PROPOSALS that could see the demolition of a former business unit and its replacement with seven ‘single-storey’ homes at a location near Bude is the subject of a pre-application advice enquiry to Cornwall Council.

The location of the proposed housing units is at the former site of the A39 Skip Hire business at Dinscott Waste Transfer Site, Stibb Level, Stibb, Bude.

In accompanying documents, the applicants planning agent said: “The proposed development site at the former A39 Skip Hire site lies approximately 0.5km east of Stibb, and 1km west of Kilkhampton.

“It is accessed directly off the adjoining Class C Stibb Levels highway, which connects to the main A39 highway to the east. The site lies outside of a defined settlement/development boundary in policy terms and is a designated rural area.

“The purpose of this pre-application enquiry is for the applicant to obtain advice from the planning authority as to whether the proposed residential redevelopment of the site following the demolition of the existing commercial premises could be considered as acceptable prior to the submission of a full planning application.

“The site consists of a large commercial building which has been extended over time and smaller structure, with a surrounding hardstanding yard. It is considered that the use class of the site will have been a mix of B2 and B8. The business is no longer operating from the site.

“An indicative site plan has been submitted for the site, which shows seven single storey dwellings. As such, the site area is considered to be appropriate for approximately seven detached dwellings; however, advice is sought on firstly the principle of the residential redevelopment of the site in this location, and then if this could be likely to be supported the number, scale and tenure of dwellings that the LPA (lead planning authority) could support on the site.”

In the pre-application covering letter, the planning agent acknowledged that the site at the subject of the application is in a rural location. While it might ordinarily factor against the chances of the development being approved, the applicant said it should be considered under the basis of whether the plans represent sustainable development.

The plans are viewable using reference PA25/01104.

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