The Strategic Planning Committee of Cornwall Council met on Thursday 19 February 2026 to consider several planning applications. The committee resolved to defer a decision on a proposed solar farm near Marazion pending a site inspection, and approved a mixed-use development in Wadebridge.

Proposed Solar Array Near Marazion Deferred

The committee considered an application from Trevarthian Renewables Limited for a ground-mounted photovoltaic solar array and battery energy storage system on land north of Trevarthian Farm, Plain An Gwarry, Marazion¹. The proposal, which would operate for 40 years, aims to generate 14MW of renewable energy, sufficient to power approximately 4,345 homes annually and displace 3,203 tonnes of CO2e per year.

Despite the applicant's efforts to reduce the scale of the development and the national imperative to increase renewable energy generation, significant local opposition was voiced. Objectors, including representatives from St Hilary Parish Council and local residents, raised concerns about the visual impact on the rural landscape, the loss of Best and Most Versatile (BMV) agricultural land, and the proximity to the Tregonning and Gwinear Mining Districts World Heritage Site². Councillor J Martin, the Electoral Division Member, echoed these concerns, highlighting the unique environment, the loss of agricultural land, and the potential harm to the local area and heritage assets.

While officers recommended delegated authority to grant planning permission subject to conditions and the resolution of Environment Agency concerns, a debate ensued. Members acknowledged the national need for renewable energy and the fact that previous refusals of similar applications had been overturned on appeal. However, concerns about the visual impact, the loss of agricultural land, and the effect on the World Heritage Site buffer zone were strongly articulated. Ultimately, the committee voted to defer the decision pending a site inspection, allowing members to better assess the proposal's context within the Cornwall Mining Heritage area and its impact on the adjacent Grade II listed Trevarthian Farmhouse.

Mixed-Use Development in Wadebridge Approved

The committee approved an application from Ms C Newcombe for a mixed-use development at Cormac Solutions, Cornwall Council, Higher Trenant Road, Wadebridge³. The proposal includes affordable housing, essential worker accommodation, and a care facility.

The Electoral Division Member, Councillor Moore, expressed support for the development's principles, noting the benefits of affordable housing and a care facility. However, she raised concerns regarding unresolved road safety and pedestrian issues, the lack of a clearly defined evacuation plan for the care home and apartments, and potential overspill parking due to insufficient allocated spaces.

Officers responded to these concerns, explaining that shift patterns would manage peak flows and parking, and that on-street parking was available in the estate. They also confirmed that the evacuation plan would be secured at the operational stage. The debate highlighted that the development made good use of a previous council building and previously developed land, offering benefits to those in need in the Wadebridge area. The application was approved by a vote of 8 in favour, 0 against, and 0 abstentions, subject to appropriate conditions and amendments to conditions 11 and 12.

List of Appeals Decisions Noted

The committee also noted the list of planning appeal decisions received, appeals lodged, and dates of public inquiries.