Underground cable route at Land Near Green Acres Farm, Scarcewater, Grampound Road

What was proposed

The application sought an 8.4-kilometre predominantly underground cable route connecting the proposed solar farm to the National Grid substation.

“Information Classification: PUBLIC 1. Full planning permission is sought for an 8.4km predominantly underground cable route designed to connect a proposed solar farm at Trelion (which is currently pending a planning decision ref PA24/05312) to the National Grid Indian Queens Substation.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

An earlier screening opinion found that an environmental impact assessment was not required, while the associated solar farm application was still pending in the report.

“Information Classification: PUBLIC Reason for separate application: 27. The applicant has advised that they opted to submit separate planning applications for the solar farm and the cable route due to the evolving nature of the cable route design. At the time of the solar farm submission, the preferred cable alignment had not been finalised. As part of the initial environmental considerations, two potential cable routes were considered.”

“Relevant Planning History: 29. PA24/08639: EIA Screening Opinion request for proposed cable route to connect Trelion Solar Farm to National Grid Indian Queens Substation – EIA not required…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the route supported renewable energy, preserved most landscape views, delivered combined biodiversity gains and had mitigated temporary harms.

“The cable would be underground for virtually the entirety of the route. This balances long- term reliability with site aesthetics. Scenic views along route are therefore preserved. The section of above ground cable amounts to approx. 80-100m and has minor impact that is not considered to harm the character or appearance of the immediate area.”

“The cable is essential infrastructure to facilitate delivery of renewable energy to the grid. The benefits of renewable energy are widely recognised and are an integral part of the Government’s agenda to tackle the Climate Crisis. Cornwall Council has set a target for 100% of Cornwall’s electricity to be generated from renewable sources by 2035.”

Officer report

Public concerns

Comments raised questions about the working corridor, biodiversity calculations, tree loss, riverbank effects, cable security, public safety and habitats.

“The key planning related points have been summarised below:”

“Comments/Oppose: • Is the working corridor 5m or 10m? • Why do some habitat areas appear to be left out of the metric? • Significance of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy has not been included • What is the impact on trees from the gantry? • Removal of trees will have a significant ecological impact • Riverbank could be weakened on either side • What has been done to deter crime on the exposed cable? • Will be a health and safety issue for walkers cyclists etc • PEA does…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A resident and a parish council representative spoke against the application, while the applicant’s representative spoke in support and answered questions.

What members debated

Members discussed the refused solar farm, reduced renewable energy benefits, construction effects near homes, planning controls, appeal risks and possible deferral.

“Members queried the relationship between the cable route application and the previously refused solar farm application. Officers advised that the cable route application must be determined on its own merits despite the refusal of the associated solar farm; 2. Officers advised that reduced weight could now be given to the renewable energy benefits associated with this proposal, as the solar farm proposal that the current application intended to serve had been refused; 3.”

“Members queried whether the application could be deferred pending the outcome of any solar farm appeal. In response, it was advised that the application should be determined and that deferral would bring a risk of an appeal for non-determination; 7. Officers advised that the refusal of the solar farm reduced the weight of the benefits associated with the cable route proposal; 8. Members discussed the appeal risks associated with either approving or refusing the application.”

Minutes

The vote and decision

The committee approved the application by four votes to three, with two abstentions, subject to appropriate conditions.

“Arising from consideration of the report and debate it was moved by Councillor Ball, seconded by Councillor Alvey, and on a vote of 4 votes in favour, 3 against and 2 abstentions, it was:-”

“RESOLVED that Application No. PA25/02936 be approved, subject to appropriate conditions as set out in the report.”

Minutes