Council blocks geothermal power plant

The plant, intended to operate for 50 years, was proposed to power more than 11,000 homes

A proposal to build a geothermal energy plant near a protected tributary of the River Camel has been rejected by Cornwall Council.

The application, submitted by Cornish firm Geothermal Engineering Limited (GEL), sought permission to drill two deep wells and construct a power plant at Tregath, near Camelford.

The plan faced fierce opposition from local residents, parish councils, and Liberal Democrat MP Ben Maguire due to concerns over environmental risk and lack of community engagement, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

GEL, the firm behind the plans, denied there would be pollution and said any impact on the environment would be mitigated.

The proposal said the plant, intended to operate for 50 years, would have powered more than 11,000 homes.

Resident David Stark condemned the proposal as "reckless", warning of potential harm to the River Camel.

Sonia Parsons, speaking for 960 concerned residents, accused GEL of poor communication and questioned its credibility.

GEL representatives defended the project, citing geological suitability and minimal environmental impact.

Community engagement officer Jane Charman dismissed opposition as "nimbyism" and said misinformation had distorted public perception.

Despite assurances from planning officers and environmental agencies, councillors remained unconvinced.

Councillor Adrian Parsons proposed refusing the application, citing harm to the area's natural and historic character, including nearby Grade II listed Worthyvale Manor.

The committee voted 6–4 to reject the application, concluding the environmental and landscape risks outweighed the potential benefits of renewable energy development.