The parish of Sennen is an ancient landscape that has been inhabited for thousands of years. The settlements have evolved and adapted over this time and changes will inevitably continue, with new development making its mark on the built landscape. Whilst new development is important for the economic health of the parish, it is crucial that a considered and strategic approach to new development is employed to ensure the character and heritage of the area is conserved.

Sennen Parish Council has an important part to play in the planning process. It is probably one of the Council’s roles that is best known to the community and which can be of the most importance to local residents. 

The Parish Council is not a decision maker on planning applications, however it is a statutory consultee on all applications within the parish, find out more here:

The role of the Council in the planning process goes beyond commenting on current applications. The Council can, for example, influence decisions and policies that affect the parish, develop a parish plan, identify potential sites for affordable housing, or lead community engagement in implementation projects.

Neighbourhood planning is a process which gives communities direct power to develop a shared vision for their neighbourhood and shape the development and growth of their local area. Through this process, communities are able to identify where they want new homes, shops and offices to be built, have their say on what those new buildings should look like and what infrastructure should be provided, and support planning permission for the new buildings they want to see go ahead.

In 2024, Sennen Parish Council assisted with the preparation of an Affordable Housing Needs Survey and is now in the process of preparing a Neighbourhood Development Plan:

Sennen Parish Council also represents the views of the local population and works for improvements regarding other aspects of the built environment. Find out more: