CONTROVERSIAL plans to prepare a site for geothermal extraction in Camelford is set to go ahead after a refusal for planning permission was overturned on appeal.

Geothermal Engineering Ltd had applied to Cornwall Council seeking planning permission for a geothermal power plant, including site preparation, the drilling of two deep geothermal wells, resource testing, construction of a binary power station and its operation on land adjacent to a Wind Turbine on Station Road in Camelford.

Cornwall Council’s strategic planning committee, comprising of elected councillors and whom the application had been referred to had refused the application, against its own officer recommendation for approval.

It was refused on the grounds that it would harm the natural and historic distinctive character of the area, which includes the setting of a nearby Grade II* Listed Building at Worthyvale Manor, and that the benefit from the production of renewable energy would not outweigh the harm identified to the landscape and the heritage asset.

There had also been objections by Forrabury and Minster Parish Council and Camelford Town Council.

The proposed development involves the drilling of two deep wells. A production well, drilled to a depth of about 4,500 m, would be used to pump hot geothermal fluid to the surface. The results of this initial well would dictate the drilling of the second well for reinjection, which would be about 3,000 m deep.

The wells would undergo testing to confirm the temperatures and flow rates. If the testing was positive the binary cycle power station would be constructed. If not commercially viable the project would be closed, with well(s) capped and the site restored.

Geothermal Engineering Limited applied to the Planning Inspectorate seeking to appeal the refusal issued by Cornwall Council, stating that its grounds for doing so were invalid.

After hearing from both sides, J Woolcock, the inspector on behalf of the government sided with the applicant, concluding that in his view, the drilling, testing and operational phase would lead to a less than substantial harm on the significance of the listed buildings at Worthyvale Manor.

The inspector added: “In accordance with the NPPF, this harm must be weighed against the public benefits of the proposal. Great weight should be given to the conservation of designated heritage assets, and any harm should require clear and convincing justification.”

It was concluded: “The planning balance here falls in favour of the proposal for both the drilling/testing and operational phases of the appeal scheme. I find for both phases that the proposed development would accord with the development plan taken as a whole. For the reasons given above and having regard to all other matters raised, I conclude that the appeal should be allowed.”

It means that as it stands, Geothermal Engineering Ltd will be permitted to undertake the works it proposes at the site.

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The company also made an application to recover its costs for the appeal from Cornwall Council but this was dismissed by the inspector, meaning that both sides will have to cover their own costs.