The Strategic Planning Committee of Cornwall Council met on 12 June 2025, and elected Councillor Chris Batters as Chairman and Councillor James Ball as Vice-Chairman. The committee then discussed an application to repower and extend the Cold Northcott Wind Farm, delegating authority to the Chief Planning Officer to approve the application, subject to conditions. Finally, the committee noted a list of recent planning appeal decisions.

Cold Northcott Wind Farm

Authority was delegated to the Chief Planning Officer to approve the application for the repowering and extension of the Cold Northcott Wind Farm, near Launceston, with up to 22 wind turbines reaching 115m in height. This decision is subject to conditions outlined in the report and committee update, any additional conditions deemed necessary by the Chief Planning Officer, and the resolution of potential issues related to South West Water's infrastructure.

The proposal involves removing the existing wind turbines and replacing them with new, more powerful ones. The wind farm is located near Laneast, and the application was submitted by Cold Northcott Windfarm Ltd.

During the meeting, the Principal Development Officer (AC) presented the application, highlighting key issues and referencing a committee update.

Several individuals addressed the committee:

• Mr Ken Aylmer (Objector) spoke against the application.
• Mr Mark Quinn (Applicant) spoke in favour of the application.
• Mr Walter Wonnacott (Agent) spoke in support of the application.

Councillor Mark Burnett, the Electoral Division Member, was unable to attend, but a statement was read on his behalf, outlining the concerns of residents, particularly those in St Clether, Davidstow and Tresmeer. These concerns included the size and scale of the turbines, their impact on the landscape and the Area of Great Landscape Value¹, the setting of Grade II Listed properties, historic buildings, wildlife, dark skies, and the health and wellbeing of residents. Councillor Burnett's statement also questioned the removal of old turbines and referenced paragraphs from the officer's report regarding landscape and visual impacts.

Councillor Adam Paynter, also an Electoral Division Member, acknowledged the mixed views within the local communities. He noted the visual impact of the larger turbines but also recognised the potential for significant renewable energy generation, contributing to the net zero ambition². He also referred to proposed conditions that would mitigate concerns such as shadow flicker³ and landscape harm.

Councillor Nicky Chopak, an Adjoining Electoral Division Member, expressed disappointment at the number of wind turbines in North Cornwall, but acknowledged the positive impact the proposal would have on reaching net zero targets.

Following the presentations, officers responded to questions from members, confirming that the key planning issues had been assessed according to national and local policies. They stated that the proposal would contribute to Cornwall's target of 100% renewable electricity supply by 2030, and that they were satisfied with the applicant's approach to site selection.

Officers also addressed the planning balance, weighing the adverse effects on the landscape against the benefits of renewable energy generation. They acknowledged the impact on the landscape and historic buildings but concluded that the mitigating factors and the significant renewable energy generation outweighed the harm caused.

During the debate, councillors acknowledged the need to balance the impact on the landscape with the benefit of renewable energy, referencing the existing wind turbines in the location, the size of the proposed turbines, and the potential for shadow flicker. Some councillors expressed disappointment that other types of renewable energy projects had not succeeded, while others highlighted national and local policy support for the proposal, the suitability of the location, and government support for repowering existing wind farms.

Councillor Martyn Alvey proposed, and Councillor John Martin seconded, a motion to delegate authority to the Chief Planning Officer to approve the application, which was approved with 9 votes in favour, 2 against, and 0 abstentions.

Appeals

The committee noted the list of planning appeal decisions received, appeals lodged, and dates of public inquiries.