A DECISION is to be made on controversial proposals for the installation of a geothermal power plant on land near Camelford.

Geothermal Engineering Ltd’s application for the development of a geothermal power plant to include site preparation, the drilling of two deep geothermal wells, resource testing, construction of a binary cycle power station and subsequent operation will come before the authority’s strategic planning committee on Thursday, July 10.

It has been referred to the committee both due to the fact it is a commercial development exceeding two hectares and concerns the production of energy in addition to at the request of the Electoral Divisional Member due to concerns relating to the impact of the proposals on the character of the area and environmental impacts.

The planning officer charged with assessing the application has recommended that the strategic planning committee approve the application with conditions attached.

In a report submitted to the strategic planning committee ahead of the meeting, the planning officer said why they were recommending it for approval, stating: “Subject to appropriate mitigation and the recommended planning conditions, the proposed development is considered to be acceptable in regard to the local and national policy framework.

“The development would assist in contributing towards renewable energy generation, maximising environmental and economic benefits whilst minimising adverse local impacts. It is concluded that the proposal accords with the development plan when considered as a whole and there are no reasons to make a decision otherwise than in accordance with the development plan.”

The proposals have been objected to by Camelford Town Council, neighbouring authority Forrabury and Minster Parish Council and 25 residents who aired a litany of concerns over proposals to the site.

Forrabury and Minster Parish Council had previously aired concerns at a ‘lack of consultation’ and called for a delay in the consideration of the application.

Among the objections stated by Forrabury and Minster Parish Council, councillors told the planning authority: “Regarding the location of the proposed site at Tregath, it stands in stark contrast to typical geothermal developments. Nationally, geothermal power plants are usually sited on brownfield or industrial land, where existing infrastructure reduces environmental impacts.

“Geothermal Engineering Ltd itself has primarily selected industrial or brownfield sites in Cornwall, as seen with their United Downs project near Redruth, where pre-existing infrastructure offers accessibility and minimal disruption. By comparison, the Tregath site is located in a rural area, closer to environmentally sensitive areas like the River Camel, rather than within a developed industrial landscape. The sensitivity of this site raises serious concerns about whether it is appropriate for a project of this scale.”

The final decision on whether the proposals will go ahead rest with Cornwall Council’s strategic planning committee, chaired by Liberal Democrat Cllr Chris Batters. The committee will hear the proposals on Thursday, July 10 in a meeting commencing at 10am.

It will be held at the Trelawny Room in County Hall in Truro, with a webcast available online for people to watch proceedings from home.