CAMPAIGNERS have questioned the impartiality of Cornwall Council determining proposals to build a geothermal power plant near Newquay, after it was flagged that the council is the landowner, planning authority and financial backer.

Residents Against Geothermal Engineering in Penhallow are disputing how the unitary authority can independently decide a hybrid planning application to drill two deep geothermal wells and ancillary infrastructure on council-owned farmland north west of Rosehill Farm

Protesters point out that Cornwall Council has already invested £2.4-million into the applicant Geothermal Engineering Ltd (GEL).

Residents are opposed to the plans due to concerns regarding noise, rural traffic increases, potential seismic disturbances, and groundwater protection. They are now concerned whether the community will get a fair hearing in the planning process but Cornwall Council states all planning applications are considered following the same procedures, policies, and decision-making requirements.

A spokesperson for Residents Against Geothermal Engineering in Penhallow said: “Public records show that Geothermal Engineering Ltd and its United Downs project have received or been awarded at least £15.46-million in identifiable public funding.

“Most concerningly, £2.4-million came from Cornwall Council as match-funding for United Downs.

“Cornwall Council is therefore not merely the planning authority considering GEL’s applications. It has also provided substantial financial backing to the company’s flagship project and owns the land proposed for the Penhallow development.”

Cornwall Council said: "Our farms strategy aims to balance the use of Cornwall's council-owned farmland to support new entrants to farming and food production, as well as providing land for housing, renewable energy and tree-planting.

“We were approached by GEL after they identified that our council farm site had suitable geology for geothermal development.

“All planning applications are considered following the same procedures, policies, and decision-making requirements that apply to all applicants.

“We signed an option agreement with GEL after consent was granted.

“We follow National Planning Practice Guidance when deciding whether to take enforcement action for any potential breaches.”