Plans for 5,000 solar panels next to Cornwall A30 roundabout

5th February Environment | Planning and development | West Cornwall
By Lee Trewhela Local Democracy Reporter

Land, off the A30, near Loggans Moor Roundabout, Hayle, could house a 5,000-panel solar farm (Image: CSA Architects)

Plans to install more than 5,000 solar panels on land next to a busy roundabout on the A30 are due to be decided next week.

The latest solar farm application to receive the ire of local residents and councils will be discussed at a special Cornwall Council strategic planning meeting.

S2W Property 103 Ltd has applied to build a solar farm, with battery storage, access, landscaping and other infrastructure on 3.75 hectares of land off Loggans Road, Hayle, north of Loggans Moor Roundabout and adjacent to the A30 and a Lidl store.

Although recommended for approval by the council’s planning department, the area’s councillor Lionel Pascoe has brought it before committee next Thursday (February 13) owing to the concerns of Hayle Town Council around flooding, which he shares.

This application seeks planning permission for the installation and operation of a 2.5MW ground-mounted solar farm, together with associated works.

The intention is for the renewable electricity generated to primarily supply the nearby St Ives Bay Holiday Park west by way of an underground cable. The development would be operational for 40 years.

As well as objections from Hayle Town Council, neighbouring St Erth Parish Council is also against the proposal.

It stated: “Whilst the parish council supports the use of solar power it does so through the use of roofs, particularly in industrial locations, or alternative brownfield land locations. This site is located next to a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), is on a floodplain, is rich in biodiversity and will have a negative impact on wildlife in the area.”

A number of concerned residents have also raised concerns about flooding and the loss of land abundant with wildlife. Natural England considers that without appropriate mitigation the application could damage or destroy the features of the SSSI and an environmental management plan should be put in place.

The Lead Local Flood Authority and Environment Agency have both withdrawn initial objections. Both bodies urge the inclusion of conditions around surface water management.

Highways has also changed its original objection after visibility from the site was amended and details of an access junction were provided by the applicant.

Next week’s meeting will also discuss a much larger solar farm on almost 200 acres of land at nearby Gwinear.

Environment Planning and development West Cornwall