Four wind turbines at Bears Down Wind Farm, St Eval, Wadebridge

What was proposed

The application proposed replacing 16 existing turbines with four larger turbines and associated access, electrical and construction infrastructure.

“The application (revised during the current assessment) comprises repowering of Bear Downs Wind Farm by removing 16 existing turbines and replacing them with four larger wind turbines and associated infrastructure including access tracks, electrical housing, underground cabling and temporary construction hardstanding areas.”

“The sixteen existing turbines (57 m tip, 44 m rotor) on the application site would be replaced with four modern turbines (maximum blade height of 150 m tip, hub height of 82m, blade length of 68m). The turbines proposed by this application are referred to as T2 to T5 in the assessment below.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers found moderate landscape and heritage harm but considered the renewable-energy, carbon and employment benefits greater, subject to conditions and obligations.

“The proposed development is conservatively modelled to produce 68,000 MWh of renewable energy per annum, which is equivalent to the needs of 15,000 homes in a typical use scenario. This is equivalent to powering approximately 5% of homes in Cornwall.”

“Taking these factors into account, it is considered that the proposal is acceptable on balance, subject to the conditions and Planning Obligations. The public benefits associated with this renewable energy proposal are significant and outweigh the level of harm to the surrounding natural and heritage environments.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

A local speaker and representatives of two councils spoke against the application, while two speakers supported it and answered questions.

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application subject to the conditions in the officer report and committee update.

“RESOLVED that Application No. PA23/10324 be approved subject to the conditions set out in the report and Committee update.”

“The reasons given by the Proposer for wishing to approve the application were as set out in the report and Committee update.”

Minutes