Decision due on plans to build a geothermal power plant near Truro
Officials say the site at Penhallow could provide enough energy for 50 years
Last updated 15th Sep 2022
Plans to install a geothermal power plant, which could provide energy for 50 years, are set to be decided on whether they can have planning permission. Geothermal Engineering Ltd is looking to build the new plant on land at Penhallow, near Truro.
The planning application for the power plant is set to go before Cornwall Council's strategic planning committee at its meeting on Thursday (September 15).
Planning officers have recommended that the application be approved, but there has been opposition from members of the public.
Under the proposals, the company is looking to drill two deep geothermal wells which would be used for drilling and testing over a three-year "construction phase" before building a power plant which would operate on the site for 50 years. It would be able to generate renewable energy which could help reduce dependency on non-renewable energy sources.
A report going to the planning committee explains that there have been amendments to the plans since they were first submitted including the reduction in height of the drill rig from 47.5metres to 27m. The power plant has also been redesigned and reduced in height from an initial 10m to 5m.
Geothermal plant could produce enough energy for 50 years
Cornwall Council's historic environment officer had raised concerns about the "industrial works at this rural location". But planning officers have said that the benefits of a renewable energy project outweigh any harm which might be caused to the historic environment.
Perranzabuloe Parish Council said that it was unanimous in its objection to the application. The council stated: "Whilst the parish council are supportive of renewable energy, they object to this application as they strongly feel that it is the wrong location.
"Cornwall Council's historic environment officer has also stated that this is not an appropriate site. The design spoils the visual amenity of the rural setting and would have an adverse impact on the local community".
Cornwall Council’s historic environment officer stated: "Whilst it is appreciated that there is obviously an operational need for this proposal, it is still recommended that this rural site, with historic visual character landscape associations and slight impacts to/from the Lambriggan Listed building/Scheduled Monument setting (winter time), is not appropriate.
"Perhaps this industrial themed activity could be located in a more industrial sited location, with less emphasis of impacts to the rural setting of an historic rural farming landscape".
Concerns raised over 'industrial works in rural location'
There have been almost 60 public comments submitted about the plans with 55 objections and just four people in support.
Lora Wicks said: "My most emphatic objection is because the quality of life of this community will be seriously affected. The volume of opposition to the proposal makes clear the deep anxiety and anguish that residents are experiencing at the prospect of having permanent damage done to their quality of life. We look to our planners to respect the voice of the communities they serve and make decisions that do not allow irrevocable damage to be done to them".
But Richard Turner said: "Strongly support green energy generation of both electrical power and community heating schemes. I have seen the pilot project at United Downs this is precisely the sort of initiative that both the council and members of the public should be supporting".
The strategic planning committee will meet on Thursday in Truro to decide the planning application.