Cornwall's 200-Acre Solar Farm Approved Despite Local Outcry

In a controversial move, the government has approved the construction of a 200-acre solar farm in Cornwall, overruling the local council's initial rejection of the project. The massive site, located near St Erme outside Truro, will host around 125,000 solar panels and produce enough energy to power 12,000 homes per year for the next three decades.

The development, proposed by Downing Renewables, was originally refused by Cornwall Council following vigorous campaigning and protests from local residents. However, the government's Planning Inspectorate has now granted the project's appeal, paving the way for its construction.

The decision was made in part due to the solar farm's potential contribution towards Cornwall's aim of becoming carbon neutral by 2045. Earlier this month, the council had announced it would be pushing back its original 2030 Net Zero target by 15 years.

While the project has faced significant opposition from locals and the Carland Action campaign group, the planning inspector argued that the site would not considerably harm the local landscape and would help address the climate emergency. Developers have also promised community benefits, including free solar panels for nearby homes.

Despite these assurances, some residents remain concerned about the amount of land being used for solar energy in Cornwall and the potential impact on the region's ability to feed itself in the future.