The Strategic Planning Committee of Cornwall Council met on Thursday 20 August 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 the application for the Bears Down Wind Farm at St Eval, near Wadebridge, Cornwall, subject to conditions. The application, PA23/10324, proposed replacing existing turbines with taller ones. Principal Development Officer Stephen Kirby presented the application, recommending approval. Several individuals spoke against the proposal, including Kim Hayward, Liz McKenzie of St Mawgan in Pydar Parish Council, and Scott Taylor of St Columb Major Town Council, raising concerns about landscape impact and the timing of the decision in light of recent changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). David Kempthorne and Amber Trenberth spoke in support of the application.

Councillor O'Connor, the Electoral Division Member for the area, supported renewable energy and the repowering of existing wind farms but questioned the timing of the decision given the new NPPF, which came into effect just days before the meeting. He highlighted concerns raised by the Landscape Officer regarding the proposed 150m turbines conflicting with guidance for up to 100m turbines within RLU 14, and the potential negative impact on the landscape. He also raised questions about the council's ability to lawfully grant permission under Section 85 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, given the potential harm to the national landscape. While welcoming amended planning conditions, he ultimately felt the benefits did not outweigh the harm and suggested refusing or deferring the application.

Officers clarified that the recent changes to the NPPF had been taken into account and that the committee could proceed with the decision. They explained that the new NPPF places an emphasis on repowering existing wind farms and that the benefits would need to be balanced against landscape harm. Officers also confirmed that substantial weight must be given to conserving and enhancing the National Landscape and heritage assets. The committee engaged in a detailed debate, with key points including the finely balanced nature of the application, the reduction in the number of turbines, the importance of resident views, and the difficulty in justifying refusal based on landscape impact. Ultimately, the application was approved by a vote of 8 in favour to 1 against.

Land West of Dobwalls Primary School, Dobwalls

The committee granted delegated authority to the Service Director - Planning and Housing to approve the housing development at Land West of Dobwalls Primary School, Dobwalls, Cornwall, PL14 4LU, subject to conditions and the prior completion of a Section 106 Agreement. The application, PA25/09090, was presented by Group Leader Davina Pritchard, who recommended approval subject to conditions and a Section 106 Agreement for affordable housing and public open space contributions.

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 warned that the development would transform Dobwalls from a rural to an urban parish and highlighted issues with the busy road, the inappropriate location of the access, and the capacity of local schools, doctors' surgeries, and public transport.

Councillor Pascoe, the Electoral Division Member, acknowledged that Dobwalls had accepted growth but expressed concern that this application would add over 300 new houses in six years, straining infrastructure. He referred to previous appeal decisions in the area that had caused harm to landscape character and conflicted with the Neighbourhood Development Plan. He also noted the busy road and the dangerous conflict between pedestrians and traffic.

Officers responded to questions regarding the assessment of applications as submitted, the policy context, and the planning history of the site. During the debate, members noted that the updated NPPF made it difficult to refuse applications despite concerns. They also discussed the availability of schools in Liskeard and Callington, the proposal for affordable housing, and previous appeal decisions. The committee ultimately voted 8 in favour to 1 against to grant delegated authority for approval, with a condition that if the Section 106 Agreement was not completed within an appropriate timescale, the application would be refused.

List of Appeals Decisions Received

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