The Strategic Planning Committee of Cornwall Council met on Thursday 16 July 2026, approving a new wind farm development and granting delegated authority to approve a housing development. The committee also noted information regarding appeals.

Bears Down Wind Farm, St Eval

The committee approved application PA23/10324 for the Bears Down Wind Farm in St Eval, near Wadebridge, Cornwall PL27 7TA. This decision was made subject to conditions outlined in the report and committee update. The approval followed presentations from officers and speakers, including Kim Hayward, Liz McKenzie of St Mawgan in Pydar Parish Council, and Scott Taylor of St Columb Major Town Council, who spoke against the application. David Kempthorne and Amber Trenberth spoke in support. Councillor O'Connor, the Electoral Division Member, supported renewable energy and the repowering of existing wind farms but raised concerns about the timing of the decision given recent changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the visual impact of the proposed 150m turbines on the landscape, referencing RLU 14 guidance. Officers clarified that the recent NPPF changes had been considered and that the committee had sufficient information to make a decision. They emphasised the NPPF's focus on repowering existing wind farms and the need to balance benefits against landscape harm, also noting the requirement to give substantial weight to conserving National Landscapes and heritage assets. Following a detailed debate, the application was approved by a vote of 8 in favour, 1 against, and no abstentions.

Land West of Dobwalls Primary School, Dobwalls

Delegated authority was granted to the Service Director - Planning and Housing to approve application PA25/09090 for development on land west of Dobwalls Primary School, Dobwalls, Cornwall PL14 4LU. This approval is subject to planning conditions and the prior completion of a Section 106 Agreement to secure contributions for affordable housing and public open space. If the Section 106 Agreement is not completed within an appropriate timescale, delegated authority will be granted to refuse the application. Tracey Kitto of Dobwalls Parish Council spoke against the application, citing concerns about the strain on infrastructure, loss of agricultural land, and the impact on landscape character, which she argued conflicted with the Neighbourhood Development Plan. She also highlighted issues with road safety, school capacity, and limited public transport. Councillor Pascoe, the Electoral Division Member, acknowledged that Dobwalls had accepted growth but expressed concern that this development would overburden the village's infrastructure and lead to its transformation from a rural to an urban parish. Nathan Mallows spoke in support of the application. Officers responded to questions regarding the assessment of applications, policy context, and planning history. The debate acknowledged the difficulty in refusing applications under the updated NPPF, the need for housing, and the potential impacts on highways and schools, but ultimately concluded that the proposal should be granted. The decision was made by a vote of 8 in favour, 1 against, and no abstentions.

Appeals Decisions

The committee noted the information relating to appeals, including appeals lodged and dates of public inquiries.