The Strategic Planning Committee of Cornwall Council was scheduled to discuss two significant applications concerning renewable energy infrastructure. These included a proposal for a large solar array and its associated cable route to connect to the National Grid. The committee was also scheduled to review a list of recent appeal decisions.

Solar Farm and Cable Route Applications

The committee was set to consider two related applications from EDF Renewables Limited and EDF Energy Renewables Limited concerning the construction and operation of a renewable energy generating system.

Trelion Solar Farm (PA24/05312)

This application proposed the construction and operation of a photovoltaic (PV) solar array with a capacity of up to 49.9MWac, along with associated infrastructure, on land near Green Acres Farm, Scarcewater, Grampound Road. The report pack indicated that the development would cover approximately 82.5 hectares and was intended to operate for 40 years, generating enough renewable energy to power approximately 9,500 homes annually and save around 21,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.

The report highlighted several key considerations:

• Renewable Energy Benefits: The proposal was noted as being supportive of Cornwall's target for 100% renewable electricity supply by 2030/2035 and contributing to national net-zero objectives.
• Agricultural Land Use: A significant portion of the site (63.5ha) was identified as Best and Most Versatile (BMV) agricultural land (Grade 3a). While the development would reduce its versatility for crop production, the report suggested that sheep grazing could continue on the site, a concept known as 'agrivoltaics'.
• Landscape and Visual Impact: The development was expected to cause some landscape impact, including cumulative effects with other solar developments in the area. Mitigation through landscaping and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) enhancements was proposed.
• Ecology and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG): The proposal aimed to provide significant overall gains in BNG, with an on-site area dedicated to this. However, there was a noted displacement of seven Skylark nesting sites, requiring off-site compensation. Mitigation measures were also proposed for Dormice and Badgers.
• Consultation Responses: St Stephen in Brannel Parish Council and Ladock Parish Council objected to the application, citing concerns about landscape impact, loss of agricultural land, and cumulative effects. The Environment Agency and Cornwall Council's Lead Local Flood Authority raised no objections, subject to conditions.

The recommendation was for delegated authority to approve the application, subject to the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement and recommended conditions.

Trelion Solar Farm Cable Route (PA25/02936)

This application sought permission for the construction of a predominantly underground cable route, approximately 8.4km in length, connecting the proposed Trelion Solar Farm to the National Grid Indian Queens substation.

Key points from the report pack included:

• Undergrounding: The majority of the cable route would be underground, preserving scenic views and allowing for the restoration of land use post-construction. A small section of overhead cable was proposed to cross the River Fal at Gaverigan Bridge.
• Ecological Considerations: The route passes near sensitive ecological areas, including the Breney Common and Goss and Tregoss Moors Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Mid Cornwall Moors Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Mitigation measures were proposed to protect these areas and European Protected Species, including Dormice and Bats. A Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) concluded that potential harm could be mitigated.
• Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG): When considered in combination with the solar farm application, the cable route was expected to deliver BNG exceeding the minimum 10% requirement.
• Minerals Safeguarding: A significant portion of the route passes through a Minerals Safeguarding Area. However, Imerys Minerals Ltd, the landowner and operator, confirmed their support for the application, indicating no conflict with mineral working operations.
• Archaeology: Sections of the route through agricultural fields were identified as having archaeological potential, with a condition recommended for archaeological monitoring and recording.
• Consultation Responses: St Stephen in Brannel Parish Council, St Dennis Parish Council, and Ladock Parish Council objected, primarily due to the prematurity of the application before a decision on the solar farm and concerns about cumulative effects. Natural England raised no objection, subject to mitigation.

The recommendation was for delegated authority to approve the application, subject to the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement and recommended conditions.

List of Appeals Decisions

The committee was also scheduled to review a list of appeal decisions received and appeals lodged between 27 March 2026 and 23 April 2026, as well as a list of public inquiries and informal hearings scheduled to be heard before 11 May 2026. This item provided an update on recent planning appeal outcomes and upcoming inquiries.