TRUTHAN BARTON WINDFARM PROPOSAL: STATEMENT FROM CORONATION POWER

25th January 2011

In response to the Planning Inspector's decision to refuse Coronation Power's application for a 7 turbine wind farm on land known as Truthan Barton, 9kms east of Perranporth in Cornwall, the company's Managing Director Vickram Mirchandani said:

"We are obviously disappointed that our scheme has been rejected especially since the planning officer supported it, and we will be considering carefully the reasons given by the Inspector before we decide our next steps. We are however heartened that the Inspector acknowledges that the site could be suitable for a smaller number of wind turbines and this is one option that we will give serious consideration to."

In 2009, Coronation Power submitted a planning application to One Cornwall, the local planning authority, for 7 turbines on the land which is used for farming. If permission had been granted and the wind farm built, Truthan Barton would generate electricity for about 10,000 homes in Cornwall. The application was made after a series of technical and environmental studies were undertaken, and after consultation with various organisations and local people.

However, as a result of One Cornwall's delay in considering the company's planning application, Coronation Power chose to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate to reach a decision. The appeal process, which included site visits and hearings, took place in December 2010.

In his decision of 20 January 2011 to refuse Coronation Power's appeal and application, the Inspector (Mr Neil Pope) highlighted the visual impact of the seven turbine scheme on the local landscape but did suggest (in paragraph 98 of the determination) that a five turbine scheme would be permissible: "this would overcome the concerns I have identified in respect of Castle Field/St. Erme Cricket Club and, when weighed in the planning balance, would tip matters back in favour of the appellant"(Coronation Power).

For further information:
Vickram Mirchandani, Coronation Power
Tel:      020 7490 0669
Email: info@coronationpower.com