The Planning Inspector has allowed the appeal for the proposed geothermal development at Tregath, granting planning permission for the scheme subject to an extensive package of planning conditions.
The appeal followed Cornwall Council’s decision to refuse planning permission earlier this year. In his decision, the Inspector acknowledged that the proposal would cause moderate harm to the character and appearance of the surrounding landscape during both the drilling and operational phases. They also found that it would result in less than substantial harm to the setting of Worthyvale Manor, a Grade II* listed building, and confirmed that this harm should be given considerable importance and weight in the planning balance.
However, after weighing those impacts against the wider public benefits, the Inspector concluded that the proposal’s contribution to renewable energy generation, biodiversity enhancement and economic activity outweighed the identified harm. They therefore found that the development accorded with the development plan as a whole and allowed the appeal.
The developer also applied for an award of costs against Cornwall Council, arguing that the refusal had been unreasonable. That application was dismissed. While the Inspector ultimately reached a different planning judgement from Cornwall Council’s Strategic Planning Committee, they concluded that Members had been adequately informed, were entitled to exercise their own judgement on the planning merits, and that the Council’s appeal case did not lack substance.
The permission includes numerous planning conditions covering matters such as groundwater protection, biodiversity net gain, seismic monitoring, drainage, pollution control, landscaping and ongoing community liaison.
The appeal concludes a lengthy planning process that generated significant local interest and many detailed representations from residents, community groups, both Forrabury & Minster Parish Council and Camelford Town Council. Whatever individual views on the proposal, the case demonstrates the considerable public engagement that major planning applications can generate and the role local communities play in the planning process.
