The Strategic Planning Committee of Cornwall Council met on Thursday 23 April 2026 to discuss two major planning applications and review recent appeal decisions. The committee approved the installation of a solar array and battery storage system near Marazion, and also approved the conversion of a former office building in Wadebridge into residential dwellings and a care home.

Solar Array and Battery Storage System Approved Near Marazion

The committee approved the application by Trevarthian Renewables Limited for the installation, operation, and decommissioning of a ground-mounted photovoltaic solar array and battery energy storage system (BESS) on land north of Trevarthian Farm, Plain An Gwarry, Marazion¹. The decision was made after considerable debate, with Councillor John Martin, the Electoral Division Member, expressing strong opposition due to concerns about the impact on the rural landscape, heritage assets, and agricultural land. Local residents and St Hilary Parish Council also voiced objections, citing visual intrusion, harm to the setting of the World Heritage Site, and the loss of productive farmland.

Despite these objections, the committee ultimately voted to approve the application. Officers advised that similar applications refused by the committee had been allowed on appeal, and that there were no strong planning reasons to refuse this proposal. The benefits of renewable energy generation, particularly in the context of the climate emergency, were weighed against the identified harms. The approved development is subject to a range of conditions, including archaeological investigation, landscape and ecological management plans, and a collaborative benefits report to explore community ownership.

Residential Dwellings and Care Home Approved in Wadebridge

The committee also approved the application by Ms C Newcombe for the conversion and change of use of the former Cormac Solutions office building on Higher Trenant Road, Wadebridge². The proposal includes the conversion of the office building into 26 residential dwellings, comprising 20 affordable apartments and 6 for care home employees, alongside the development of a 67-bedroom care home.

Councillor Rosie Moore, the Electoral Division Member, supported the principle of the development, highlighting the provision of affordable housing, essential worker accommodation, and a much-needed care facility. However, she raised concerns regarding road safety, pedestrian access, parking provision, and the absence of a clearly defined evacuation plan. Officers addressed these concerns, stating that shift patterns would manage peak flows, parking was considered acceptable, and that the evacuation plan would be addressed at the operational stage. The committee voted to approve the application, subject to appropriate conditions and amendments to specific conditions related to affordable housing and lettings plans.

Appeals Report Noted

The committee also noted the list of appeals decisions received, appeals lodged, and dates of public inquiries. This included the decision to allow an appeal for a solar farm at Lanyon Farm, Gwinear, which was noted as having considerable and weighty public and planning benefits.