Strategic Planning Committee - 16 July 2026

The Strategic Planning Committee of Cornwall Council convened on June 11, 2026, to consider several planning applications and reports. There were no declarations of interest. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as a correct record, and the Committee acknowledged the departure of the Senior Democratic Officer, thanking her for her service.

The Committee first considered a solar farm application. The Principal Development Officer recommended approval subject to a Section 106 agreement and conditions. Several members of the public and parish councillors spoke against the application, citing concerns over landscape harm, loss of Best and Most Versatile agricultural land, cumulative impacts, and insufficient public benefit. The local Electoral Division Member also raised objections regarding grid constraints, private water supplies, and flood risk. After debate, the Committee refused the application, citing significant harm to the landscape and agricultural land, and concerns over the accuracy of the applicant's benefit assessments.

The Committee then considered a cable route application linked to the refused solar farm. The officer recommended approval, noting the application must be determined on its own merits despite the solar farm refusal. Objectors raised concerns about construction impacts on a nearby mobile home park and the logic of approving a cable route for a refused solar farm. The Committee discussed whether reduced weight should be given to renewable energy benefits and whether deferral was possible. Following debate, the application was approved, subject to conditions controlling construction impacts.

A separate application sought amendments to operating conditions at a heliport. The officer recommended approval, correcting a report error to state that changes would not result in noise nuisance. Objectors, including local residents and parish councillors, opposed earlier operating times, Sunday flying, scenic flights, and removal of noise monitoring. The Electoral Division Member noted significant community opposition and concern that conditions intended to protect residents would be weakened. The Committee discussed enforcement and noise limits. The application was approved as recommended, with conditions.

The Committee also noted a list of planning appeal decisions, lodged appeals, and public inquiry dates. No further actions were taken on these items.