The Strategic Planning Committee of Cornwall Council met on Thursday 23 April 2026 to discuss two significant planning applications. The committee resolved to defer a decision on a proposed solar array and battery storage system near Marazion pending a site inspection, and deferred a decision on a large-scale residential and care home development in Wadebridge to allow for further information to be provided.

PA25/04503: Trevarthian Renewables Limited - Land North of Trevarthian Farm, Plain An Gwarry, Marazion, TR17 0DU

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 Farm¹. The proposal, put forward by Trevarthian Renewables Limited, also included ancillary infrastructure, access, landscaping, and biodiversity enhancements.

During the previous meeting on 19 February 2026, the committee had deferred a decision on this application pending a site inspection. The site inspection had since taken place on 18 March 2026.

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 proximity to the World Heritage Site setting, and the loss of agricultural land. The applicant's representatives, Mr Zac Hemborough and Mr Henry Mathews, spoke in support of the proposal, highlighting its contribution to renewable energy targets.

Councillor John Martin, the Electoral Division Member, expressed reservations, noting that while the application had been reduced in scale, he still believed there were reasons not to support it due to the unique environment, the loss of agricultural land, and the potential harm to the local area. He also raised concerns about the Environment Agency's late response and the proximity to the World Heritage Site.

A detailed debate ensued among committee members. Points raised included the suitability of the site, contradictions regarding the grade of land, visual impact on the landscape, and the loss of agricultural land within a World Heritage Site buffer zone. Some members felt that the application should be refused, while others noted that there were no overriding planning reasons to refuse it, referencing recent appeal decisions that favoured renewable energy projects. The possibility of deferring the decision for a site visit was also discussed.

Ultimately, a motion for delegated authority to approve the application was lost. The committee then voted to defer Application No. PA25/04503 pending a site inspection meeting. The reasons for deferral included enabling members to carefully consider the proposal within the context of the Cornwall Mining Heritage area and World Heritage Site, as well as the impact on the Grade 2 listed building adjacent to the site.

PA25/08845: Ms C Newcombe - Cormac Solutions, Cornwall Council, Higher Trenant Road, Wadebridge, PL27 6TW

The committee also considered an application for the conversion and change of use of a former office building to 26 residential dwellings, comprising 20 affordable apartments and 6 for care home employees, along with the development of a 67-bedroom care home. The site is located at Cormac Solutions, Cornwall Council, Higher Trenant Road, Wadebridge².

The case officer's report recommended approval subject to conditions. The applicant, Ms Claire Newcombe, had engaged in a Planning Performance Agreement process, and the proposal aimed to reuse a brownfield site and repurpose a vacant building. The development would provide much-needed care home capacity and affordable housing, aligning with Cornwall Council's corporate objectives.

Councillor Rosie Moore, the Electoral Division Member, supported the application, highlighting the benefits of affordable housing, essential worker accommodation, and a vital care facility. Wadebridge Town Council also supported the application, subject to compliance with parking regulations.

Concerns were raised by local residents regarding inadequate parking, potential overspill onto residential streets, the visual impact of the building's scale and massing, increased traffic, and potential noise and light pollution. There were also concerns about the loss of trees and green space, potential ecological harm, and flooding issues.

The committee debated the scale and design of the proposed buildings, particularly the care home, and its prominence in the local landscape. The provision of affordable housing and the need for care home beds were acknowledged as significant benefits. The applicant had made amendments to the scheme, including increased parking provision, in response to community feedback.

The committee ultimately resolved to defer Application No. PA25/08845. This deferral was to allow for further information to be provided, particularly concerning the impact on dormice, rustwort, and footpaths, as well as to address the concerns raised by the Electoral Division Member regarding the cable route and its potential impact on footpaths.