Solar farm and battery storage at Land North Of Trevarthian Farm, Marazion

What was proposed

A 14MW solar array and battery storage system would occupy 25.3 hectares, operate for 40 years and supply renewable electricity to the National Grid.

“Information Classification: PUBLIC 1 Development plan policy is supportive of renewable energy proposals, setting an ambitious target of 100% renewable electricity supply by 2030 (revised to 2035). Furthermore, national policy highlights that solar energy is critical to the Government’s target of net zero by 2050, with the updated 2024 edition of the NPPF continuing to support renewable energy provision, but with less restriction.”

“This application seeks planning permission for the installation and operation of a 14MW ground-mounted solar photovoltaic array, together with associated works, on 25.3 hectares of undeveloped/agricultural land at Trevarthian Farm, near Marazion. The development would be operational for 40 years.”

Officer report

Earlier proposals and consultation

A larger 49.9MW scheme was considered through earlier screening, scoping and pre-application discussions before the proposal was substantially reduced.

“On 3 March 2021, the Applicant submitted an EIA screening opinion request to determine whether the Local Planning Authority (LPA) considers that a much larger ground-mounted solar PV installation incorporating the application site is EIA development (ref: PA21/02843). The screening opinion was issued on 15 April 2021 and determined that the development is EIA development, having regard to its characteristics, scale and potential impacts.”

“Information Classification: PUBLIC 14 Alongside the aforementioned screening and scoping opinion requests, a pre- application consultation with the LPA in respect of the larger solar PV development was submitted on 3 March 2021, with the advice being issued on 20 April 2021. The advice concluded that the proposal for a 49.9MW solar photovoltaic array has considerable potential to be acceptable as a strategic renewable energy site.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered that significant renewable energy benefits outweighed harm to best agricultural land, public views and heritage settings, subject to conditions.

“Development plan policy is supportive of renewable energy proposals, setting an ambitious target of 100% renewable electricity supply by 2030 (revised to 2035). Furthermore, national policy highlights that solar energy is critical to the Government’s target of net zero by 2050, with the updated 2024 edition of the NPPF continuing to support renewable energy provision, but with less restriction.”

“In this case, it is considered that the benefits of the proposed development in terms of significant renewable energy provision during a Climate Emergency (which should not be understated) outweigh the harm caused. The proposal is therefore considered to be in accordance with the development plan, taken as a whole, and to represent suitable and sustainable development.”

Officer report

What people said

Support focused on renewable energy, energy security, carbon savings and continued grazing, while objections focused on landscape, farmland, wildlife, flooding, noise and local impacts.

“Support: • Development would contribute towards energy need and security. • The electricity generated will power 4,345 homes and save 3,203 tonnes of carbon emissions per year. • Reduced reliance on fossil fuels. • Sheep grazing will be possible under the solar panels, thereby allowing for the continuation of some form of agriculture. • Scale of development has been reduced since pre-application.”

“Oppose: • Landscape and visual harm in this attractive, if undesignated, landscape. • Harm to the landscape and scenic beauty of the nearby Cornwall National Landscape. • Harm to the setting of the nearby World Heritage Site. • Harm to the amenities of the network of Public Rights of Way in the surrounding area. • Lack of assurance that the Public Rights of Way will be maintained to the legally required standard.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

Two speakers opposed the application, a parish councillor spoke against it, and two speakers supported it; all answered committee questions where stated.

What members debated

Members discussed local opposition, policy support, renewable energy, landscape and heritage impacts, appeal risks, conditions and the reduced scale of the scheme.

“Officers advised that since July 2024 the Committee had refused six solar farm applications and that they had all since been allowed on appeal. If refused, there were no strong reasons to do so; A Member noted that there was clear evidence that local people did not support the application however, personally, he could see the benefits; It was noted that the application was in line with the Council’s policy and the resulting energy was needed; 4.”

“Sympathy was expressed for the local residents, however it was noted that we currently lived in a time where central Government desired to press ahead with renewable energy and the proposal may add to energy security; It was noted that the applicant had tried to work with the local community; A Member expressed the view that it was a “hearts and heads” decision.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillor Tudor proposed approval, Councillor Alvey seconded it, and the committee voted seven in favour, none against and no abstentions.

“Arising from consideration of the report and debate it was moved by Councillor Tudor, seconded by Councillor Alvey, and on a vote of 7 votes in favour, 0 against and 0 abstentions, it was:-”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved subject to appropriate conditions set out in the report.

“RESOLVED that Application No. PA25/04503 be approved, subject to appropriate conditions as set out in the report.”

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

Minutes

Conditions on the approval

Conditions require decommissioning and restoration after 40 years, archaeological work, drainage controls, environmental management, biodiversity monitoring, lighting controls and traffic management.

“The development to cease operation after 40 years and then be decommissioned and the land restored in accordance with a detailed scheme, to ensure suitable restoration of the land. • The submission and approval of further archaeological recording work, to ensure that suitable provision is made to record features of archaeological interest.”

“Demonstrate compliance with the principles set out in the National Standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) Guidance (2025). Provide the details of the final drainage schemes including ground investigation and testing results, calculations and layout. Include a Construction Phase Surface Water Management Plan. Include the Construction Quality Control Plan. 5.”

Officer report