The Strategic Planning Committee of Cornwall Council met on Thursday 19 February 2026 and deferred a decision on a proposed solar farm near Marazion pending a site inspection. The committee also noted a list of appeal decisions and appeals lodged.

Proposed Solar Farm near Marazion Deferred Pending Site Inspection

The committee considered an application for the installation, operation, and decommissioning of a ground-mounted photovoltaic solar array and battery energy storage system (BESS) at Land North of Trevarthian Farm, Plain An Gwarry, Marazion, Cornwall, TR17 0DU¹. The proposal, from Trevarthian Renewables Limited, aims to generate 14MW of renewable energy, capable of powering approximately 4,345 homes annually and displacing 3,203 tonnes of CO2e per year.

During the meeting, Principal Development Officer Adam Carlyon presented the application, highlighting that while the development would contribute significantly to renewable energy targets, it also presented challenges. These included the use of Best and Most Versatile (BMV) agricultural land, potential landscape harm when viewed from public rights of way, and some harm to the setting of the Grade II listed Trevarthian Farmhouse and the Tregonning and Gwinear Mining Districts World Heritage Site².

Several objectors spoke against the application, including Ms Jane Howells, Mrs Kathryn Finch, and Councillor George Ford of St Hilary Parish Council. They raised concerns about the visual impact on the rural landscape, the loss of agricultural land, and the proximity to the World Heritage Site. Councillor J Martin, the Electoral Division Member, also expressed reservations, noting the reduction in scale but still highlighting concerns about the unique environment, the loss of agricultural land, and the impact on the local area.

In support of the application, Mr Zac Hemborough and Mr Henry Mathews, representing the applicant, spoke about the benefits of renewable energy and the efforts made to mitigate the development's impact.

Following presentations and questions, a debate ensued. Members discussed the suitability of the site, the grade of the land, and the World Heritage Site buffer zone. Some members felt there were no planning reasons to refuse the application, while others argued that the visual impact and loss of agricultural land in a sensitive area were sufficient grounds for refusal. The committee was also reminded of recent appeal outcomes and the importance of having robust reasons to defend any decision.

Ultimately, a motion to grant delegated authority to the Chief Planning Officer to approve the application was lost. A subsequent proposal to defer the application pending a site inspection was carried by a narrow margin. The reasons for deferral included the need for members to carefully consider the proposal within the context of the Cornwall Mining Heritage area and World Heritage Site, as well as its impact on the adjacent Grade II listed building.

Appeals Report Noted

The committee also noted the list of planning appeal decisions received and appeals lodged between 09 January 2026 and 30 January 2026, as detailed in the Appeals Report³.

The meeting concluded at 11:46 am.