Residents of a quiet rural area near Truro are opposing plans for a geothermal plant in a field next to Grade II listed homes, worried about the environmental, noise and visual effects.
Geothermal Engineering Ltd (GEL) submitted a hybrid application with Cornwall Council in July, after planning permission granted for the site, an agricultural field at Rosehill Farm, Penhallow, lapsed in September 2022. The new application covers drilling two deep geothermal wells, ancillary infrastructure, site access and resource testing, plus an outline application for a binary cycle power station.
The drill rig mast is expected to be about 55 metres high, more than double the 27m height in the original application, and would be visible from several miles away.
GEL said its application has been "informed by a comprehensive suite of independently administered environmental and ecological surveys, reviewed by the relevant statutory consultees and technical bodies, and we remain committed to protecting the local environment and minimising the impact of the development".
But residents are unhappy and concerned that the geothermal industry is not regulated in the UK. They are also questioning a planning breach and the company's relationship with Cornwall Council.
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The locals' views are clear for anyone driving along the A3075 near the entrance to Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm. A grass verge near the proposed site features signs saying "No deep drilling", "No 24/7 noise pollution", "No power station" and "Residents against geothermal engineering".
CornwallLive met some of the residents living in the Penhallow, Lambriggan and Callestick area, near Truro, St Agnes and [Perranporth](https://www
Residents Unite Against 55m Geothermal Plant Near Truro