49.9MW solar farm at Land Near Green Acres Farm, Scarcewater, Grampound Road

What was proposed

A 49.9MW solar array and associated infrastructure would operate for 40 years across about 82.5 hectares.

“The application seeks full planning permission for the construction and operation of a renewable energy generating system comprising up to 49.9MWac photovoltaic (PV) solar array and associated infrastructure and works. The development would cover an area of approx. 82.5 ha, of which 63.5 ha would be occupied by panels, and consists of 19 field parcels associated with Penhale Farm.”

“The following associated infrastructure is likely to be implemented at the site: • ground mounted solar PV panels generating up to 49.9MWac; • 2 spares containers (dimension: 5.9m (l) x 2.95m (w) x 3.39m (h); • 17 Transformer Station (dimensions: 6.10m (l) x 2,4m (w) x 2.99m (h); • 148 string invertors which will be attached to rear of the solar panel frames; • customer substation (dimensions 6m (l) x 3.3m (w) x 3.4m (h); • welfare container which will include kitchen…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site comprises 19 agricultural fields near Penhale Farm, with nearby solar farms, a wind turbine and surrounding public rights of way.

“The site consists of 19 field parcels, associated with Penhale Farm. The individual parcels are bounded by well-maintained hedgerows and along the entirety of the western boundary by a minor highway namely C008 that runs from the settlement of Penhale towards Grampound Road. The overall site is divided into two sections (north and south) by a rural unnamed highway. Penhale Farm and Penhale Cottages are situated in the middle of the application area.”

“There are no Public Rights of Way (PROW’s) across the site but there is a network of PROW’s in the surrounding area with bridleways to the west. There is a single wind turbine on the site in the northern most field parcel, otherwise the site is virtually devoid of built form.”

Officer report

What people said

Supporters cited climate and renewable energy needs; opponents raised contamination, flooding, landscape, farmland, food security, wildlife, water supplies and amenity.

“Oppose: • Risk of contamination is significant • Could worsen flooding risk • Cumulative landscape harm…”

“Loss of productive farmland • Brownfield land should be utilised instead • Impact on food security • Lack of energy storage in the Cornish grid • Private water supply on site – ground water levels as little as 0.27m below surface • Insufficient research into impact on water supply in area • Poor energy delivery for land sacrificed • Environmental damage in mining and transporting the panels • Mid Cornwall has enough solar farms • Massive eyesore, visually detrimental to…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from three objectors, representatives of two parish councils, a supporter, and statements from local councillors.

What members debated

Members debated landscape quality, cumulative effects, agricultural land, skylarks, renewable energy benefits, appeal risks and whether impacts had become unacceptable.

“Members queried at what point cumulative impacts of solar developments would be considered unacceptable. In response it was advised that cumulative impact was a matter of planning judgement and must be assessed on a site-specific basis. Cumulative landscape impact should be considered in the context of the proposal, surrounding developments and the character of the area; 2.”

“Members highlighted the landscape quality and visual sensitivity of the site; 2. Concern regarding the loss of a traditionally managed agricultural holding; 3. Concern regarding impacts on skylarks and the rural character of the area; 4. Members considered the proposed solar farm would be prominent due to its scale and elevated position; 5. Concern regarding landscape harm, cumulative impacts and the increasing concentration of solar developments in the area; 6.”

Minutes

Why permission was refused

The committee found significant landscape and cumulative visual harm that outweighed renewable energy benefits, and inadequate skylark compensation without a completed legal agreement.

“The proposal, by reason of installing this large-scale renewable energy development onto these undeveloped fields on an elevated position in the countryside, would harm to a significant extent the distinctive undeveloped character and beauty of the application site and its setting.”

“7 2. In the absence of a completed legal agreement securing the provision, management and long-term protection of compensatory habitat for Skylark on land outside of the application site, the proposal fails to provide an adequate mechanism to compensate for the harm it would introduce to Skylark.”

Minutes