The planning application for a geothermal power plant at Tregath, near Camelford, is now set to be determined by Cornwall Council’s Strategic Planning Committee on Thursday 10th July 2025.
This committee handles strategic developments that are of countywide significance, including large-scale commercial energy schemes. The application has been escalated due to its potential impact, scale, and the concerns raised by local councils and residents.
Forrabury and Minster Parish Council has formally objected to the application, citing conflict with Policies 2 and 23 of the Cornwall Local Plan. While the Council supports renewable energy in principle, it raised the following concerns:
- The proposed site lies in a sensitive rural location, in close proximity to the River Camel Special Area of Conservation.
- In contrast to other geothermal projects developed on industrial or brownfield sites, this site is undeveloped and environmentally significant.
- The volume of conflicting technical assessments has made it difficult for decision-makers and the public to fully understand the environmental impact.
The Parish Council has concluded that the location is not suitable for a project of this scale, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding ecological risks and the availability of more appropriate locations elsewhere in the county.
Members of the public are welcome to speak at the committee meeting. See agenda here. If you would like to address the Strategic Planning Committee directly, you must register in advance using this link: Register to Speak at a Planning Committee Meeting. The deadline to register is 12:00 noon, two working days before the meeting.
This meeting represents a key moment in deciding the future of this development, and community voices can still play a vital role.
