THE first diesel-fuelled power station for Cornwall has been given the go-ahead near Davidstow by planners.

North Cornwall’s Conservative MP Scott Mann voiced concern that the plans were approved under delegated powers, rather than by a planning committee, but Liberal Democrat Cornwall Councillor for Camelford Rob Rotchell said there were no ‘material planning issues’ that he could object to.

The proposal for the development of a 20 MW short term operating reserve (‘STOR’) plant, together with associated works, located on land at Tregeen, was approved on July 22.

The plant will comprise 40 diesel-powered generators, and will provide emergency power to the local electricity distribution network. The hours of operation of the plant will be limited to 200 hours per year.

Mr Mann expressed his disappointment that the application was not called into a planning committee. He said: “This is the first application for a diesel farm in Cornwall, and I’m disappointed that the local councillor, Rob Rotchell, did not call it into a planning committee to get a proper hearing.

“This is a significant project for the countryside, and the objections should have been heard at a committee.

“Cornwall Council will need to have some sort of policy on this type of application very soon as there could be more in the pipeline, which, without a robust policy, could see the council passing more in this unsatisfactory way.”

Cllr Rob Rotchell told the Post: “I was advised by the planning officer that the local objections were to do with diesel emissions and noise. An environmental impact survey was carried out and the result of that were both the noise levels and diesel emissions we within the agreed range. On that basis I had no material objections — there were no material planning issues for me to object on.

“To refer something to the planning committee, I have to be able to object on planning grounds.”

The planning officer in their delegated report said if any future STOR schemes are put forward in the future, they will need to be assessed on their own merits, adding: “With regards to the concerns raised to suggest the development will set a precedent, these concerns are noted. However each case must be assessed on its merits in relation to the planning policies and guidance available at the time and any other material considerations specific to the proposal. It is not therefore considered this scheme will set a precedent for other STOR plants.

“The proposal will provide infrastructure that will help ensure continuity of electricity supply for the benefit of the public as a whole.”

Lyn Henry was on the side of objecting to the proposal, she submitted a comment to Cornwall Council’s planning department, available to view on the authority’s website, which read: “I object to Mr Quinn’s proposal for a diesel farm. Adding more pollution to the environment, increased noise levels, destroying the countryside, how can that be green?

“There should be an environmental assessment for this proposal. As well as having the noise from the six wind turbines the applicant erected near my property, myself and my neighbours will have the increased noise of the plant, possibly running all year round. I bought my property to be in the countryside, not an industrial estate.

“This proposal, if approved, will open the floodgates. Protect our countryside, not destroy it.”

Showing support for the application, Natalie Hurley-Small commented: “I would like to offer my support for this planning application. This site has been carefully selected to be in a remote location and not exposed to any sensitive views. My understanding is that this facility is required to operate for short periods of time when there is a critical need for electricity as determined by the relevant authorities.

“…In reality we need to retrieve our generation short fall from somewhere and I for one would prefer facilities like these on my door step as opposed to large nuclear stations affecting our views and taking up a whole load more of our green land.”