Looking towards where the solar farm would be built in St Dennis if it was approved(Image: Cornwall Council)
CornwallLive readers have reacted after a huge solar farm planned across 18 fields in Cornwall's clay country was approved on appeal, despite Cornwall Council previously rejecting it.
A Government planning inspector has approved a 32MW solar farm and 45MW Battery Energy Storage System on 61.5 hectares of land next to Trerice Manor Farm in St Dennis. The decision overturns a refusal by Cornwall Council's strategic planning committee in July 2025.
Planning officers had recommended approval, but councillors rejected the scheme. The developer, Trerice Solar Farm Limited, a subsidiary of Norwegian owned Statkraft, subsequently appealed and a hearing was held in May.
Inspector Hayley Butcher ruled that the scheme would have a "significant adverse impact on the local landscape", as well as causing harm through the long term loss of high quality agricultural land and to the setting of two heritage assets. However, she concluded that the benefits of renewable energy outweighed those harms.
She said councillors had raised "pertinent matters" about the landscape and heritage and were entitled to reject the scheme despite officers recommending approval.
The decision comes amid growing concern over the number of large scale energy developments being proposed across Cornwall. Residents in St Dennis have previously said they are fed up with the industrialisation of the countryside, with the area already home to other solar developments and the Cornwall Energy Recovery Centre.
Another major solar farm near St Stephen was rejected by Cornwall Council last month. EDF had sought permission for a scheme covering 19 agricultural fields at Trelion Farm, close to St Dennis. Councillors cited concerns over its impact on the "distinctive undeveloped character and beauty" of the countryside.
There are also concerns that the decision could be challenged on appeal, particularly after Cornwall Council revealed that six solar farm applications rejected by its strategic planning committee since July 2024 had subsequently been approved on appeal.
The latest ruling is likely to fuel further debate over the balance between renewable energy targets, protecting Cornwall's landscape and preserving productive farmland.
Commenter AJSON thinks: “Solar panels should be going on rooftops, not covering our lovely green fields. With housing estates and solar farms popping up everywhere, Cornwall is being spoilt at a rapid rate. And they don't seem to benefit locals when electricity bills are still so high. Leave the fields alone and use them to grow food instead. The quality of potatoes and fruit in the big supermarkets can be awful, so why not grow more locally and get it into the shops? That would benefit Cornwall far more.”
Emmsj agrees: “Wow, another planning committee decision to protect the county overturned on appeal, paving the way for yet more development that will ruin the area. It’s not exactly hidden from view, either. The committee must be frustrated, but probably not as much as the locals. We’re told the UK needs to produce more of its own food, yet productive farmland is still being covered with energy projects. Then we pay compensation when the electricity can’t be used. Surely protecting farmland and making better use of rooftops makes more sense.”
Poopypondpaddle demands: “Stop covering Cornwall with houses and solar farms. We need to protect our farmland and grow more food before it's too late. Close campsites and ban tourists. Cornwall should be helping feed the country, not losing more of its fields.”
Obscuresumo retorts: “So your ‘plan’ would remove 25 to 28% of Cornwall’s annual income from tourism, while farmers are already struggling, fewer people want to work in the industry, and there simply aren’t enough people willing to get out into the fields to harvest crops and pick vegetables. How is that supposed to work?”
Phil P suggests: “There are two places in Cornwall where there are ideal locations for possibly hundreds of solar panels to be installed, and I don't believe anyone would be upset. The two Park & Ride locations either side of Truro. Perfect, electricity generated from a car park and a nice subsidy for the bus services into Truro.”
Leon P writes: “Welcome to beautiful, sunny, unspoilt Cornwall. Come for the beaches and stay for the wind farms, solar farms and endless new housing estates. Our countryside is being ruined. It seems Cornwall Council and the Government have little regard for our landscape. Devon seems to have far more respect for its countryside and residents. Shame on you, Cornwall Council.”
Emma L says: “Pollutants are another concern. The land can be disturbed and damaged during installation, and the panels themselves will eventually need replacing. In 20 to 25 years, what happens to all those old panels, particularly when recycling them remains difficult? Surely that needs to be properly addressed before more farmland is covered.”
Philip H agrees: “With all this land no longer being farmed, the ground could become compacted and drainage suffer. Then, when the heavy rain comes, surrounding areas could be left dealing with the flooding. Don't expect the solar companies to be rushing in to help. Good luck.”
Jane M comments: “Andy’s support for farmers seems pointless if 18 or more arable fields are being covered with solar panels when they could be placed elsewhere. And granting permission for huge geothermal plants near SSSI rivers and on productive farmland makes little sense if they risk damaging the very ecology that net zero is supposed to protect. Is there any common sense left in Westminster?”
Deanna H agrees: “Awful! A refusal should be just that! Very sad when there are so many new homes and battery and data centres being built that could easily have these in their roofs. Ruining our countryside.”
Cornwall Live readers, what do you make of another solar farm being approved on appeal? Should renewable energy take priority, or should Cornwall's farmland and landscape come first? Have your say in our comments section.
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