PLANS to build a 10MW solar farm stretching across five fields – and surrounding an ancient fort in Menheniot – have been granted planning permission.
On Thursday last week Cornwall Council's strategic planning committee voted by 15 votes to 3 in favour of a revised application by Elgin Energy to install more than 2,750 solar panels at Trequite Farm.
Following objections by English Heritage, the original application, which included plans to surround the Iron Age hill fort, Padderbury Top, by solar panels on three sides, was revised.
Speaking at the meeting Bethany resident Mrs Stevenson called for further public consultation before a decision on the revised plans was made.
"As an affected resident of Bethany I ask for a postponement of a decision on this resubmitted application until a full and fair consultation with our community has taken place," she said.
"No information or literature has so far been distributed to properties that are closely affected by the project and there are many other local people who would welcome the chance to learn and comment on the scheme."
However, the planning officers said public consultation had been carried out and planning consultant David Whitehead told the committee all residents living within 1km from the site had been invited to a public consultation event.
Mr Whitehead said.
He said the new revised application excludes the two fields that were of concern to English Heritage and provides other improvements to the general design. The revised plans, which were subsequently approved, include access to the hill fort and repairs and maintenance over the next 25 years – the time frame in which planning permission for the solar farm has been granted. After this time, the fields will be returned to grazing.
Cornwall councillor for St Germans and Landulph, Daniel Pugh, said he had received mixed responses regarding the plans from residents. But he said that providing access to the hill fort would benefit the community.
"Access to Padderbury Fort has been welcomed by residents," he said.
"That is a benefit from it."
