Strategic Planning Committee - 25 September 2025

The Strategic Planning Committee first confirmed that the minutes of its 21 August 2025 meeting were correctly recorded and authorised them for signature by the Chairman, following a motion moved by Councillor Channon and seconded by Councillor Alvey. The Principal Development Officer (EI‑W) then presented a detailed overview of Planning Application PA23/10067, outlining the submitted plans, photographs, and the key issues that had been examined since the item was deferred on 10 July 2025. The briefing covered the technical briefing, viability of the proposal, lithium extraction considerations, environmental impact, expert‑consultation review, and the handling of three Freedom of Information requests made under the Environmental Information Regulations.

During the public‑speaking portion, four objectors were given the opportunity to address the Committee: Mr David Stark, Miss Sonia Parsons, Councillor Coombes of Camelford Town Council, and Councillor Yates of Forrabury and Minster Parish Council. Each objector expressed opposition to the development and responded to questions from Committee members. In contrast, the applicant’s representatives, Mr Will Page and Ms Jane Charman, spoke in support of the proposal and also answered Committee queries.

The Principal Lawyer clarified that the Freedom of Information requests had been received, processed, and the outcomes reported to the Committee, and confirmed that no procedural improprieties had occurred. Following the discussion, the Principal Development Officer recommended that Application PA23/10067 be approved, subject to the conditions set out in the accompanying report.

Councillor Burnett, representing the electoral division, reiterated the concerns of local residents and the two parish councils, emphasizing uncertainty about the environmental impact—particularly on the River Camel and local wildlife—and questioning the adequacy of the Environmental Impact Assessment, which had been deemed unnecessary. He also raised potential drainage issues related to the proposed infiltration basin.

The Committee recorded the recommendation for approval with conditions, noted the various objections and supportive statements, and documented the procedural clarifications and local‑resident concerns raised during the meeting. No further motions or decisions were reported in the excerpt provided.