The site is located near Carnhell Green, Camborne and is expected to generate enough clean electricity to power over 8,000 typical homes, saving over 19,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide entering the atmosphere each year. The proposal also includes extensive landscaping and ecological enhancements, resulting in a biodiversity net gain of 66% above baseline levels. 

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The planning application was refused by Cornwall Council at a planning committee in August 2023, contrary to the Planning Officer’s recommendation for approval. 

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In their assessment, the Planning Inspector determined that the Council’s reason for refusing the application, over the use of agricultural land and the evidence of alternative sites was not consistent with national policy. The site predominantly comprises grade 3b, which is not best most versatile (BMV) agricultural land, with a small proportion of 3a interspersed within the lower quality land.   

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The Inspector found that the 2015 written ministerial statement (WMS) and the Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) relating to the use of agricultural land, which  the Cornwall Local Plan was drafted  on, were inconsistent with the current national policy which formed the basis of the Council’s reason for refusal. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that development should use poorer quality land ‘where possible’ and the 2024 WMS on solar and food security required ‘due weight’ to be given to the use of BMV agricultural land. 

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George Wilyman, Head of Planning at Aura Power said “We are delighted with the Inspector's decision to approve this planning application, which will help contribute towards ambitious national net zero targets, alongside the provision of significant biodiversity and  habitat improvements for wildlife. As a nation, we need less than 0.5% of UK agricultural land to fulfil the five-fold increase in solar capacity required by the Government, which will invariably include agricultural land, but given the limited land take requirements it will not pose a threat to national food security. We look forward to taking this exceptional project through to construction, alongside several other projects in our portfolio, across the country.” 

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We are working to deliver over 300 MW of solar pv sites, which have successfully obtained planning permission. 

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Thea Osmund-Smith acted as legal counsel, independent advisors, Turley, provided planning services and Kernon Countryside Consultants acted as agricultural land consultants for the appeal. .

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