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Cornwall's 200-Acre Solar Farm Approved Despite Local Outcry
21 Oct, 2025
Summary
- 200-acre solar farm approved by government despite fierce local opposition
- Farm will host 125,000 solar panels and power 12,000 homes annually
- Cornwall Council originally refused plans but decision overruled on appeal
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.
