A planning application by EDF Renewables for a solar farm was being considered by councillors
Claire Elliott and Cornwall Live readers
06:00, 25 May 2026
The Stop Trelion Solar protesters outside Lys Kernow / County Hall in Truro(Image: Lee Trewhela / CornwallLive)
CornwallLive readers have heard that protesters gathered outside Lys Kernow / County Hall as councillors prepared to decide on controversial plans for a large solar farm in mid Cornwall. French energy company EDF Renewables has applied to build a 49.9MW solar farm across 19 fields at Trelion, St Stephen, near St Austell. The development would cover around 204 acres and operate for 40 years.
Despite objections from the local councillor, St Stephen in Brannel Parish Council and more than 100 residents, Cornwall Council officers had recommended the scheme for approval. Campaign group Stop Trelion Solar says the area is already overwhelmed by renewable developments and fears the countryside is becoming “industrialised”. Protesters claim the region already has far more solar farms than other parts of Cornwall and argue valuable farmland and local businesses could be lost.
Residents have also raised concerns over food security and the possible impact on private water supplies used by nearby households.
Among those demonstrating was Shirley Anderson, who lived on the farm as a child and whose family still works the land. She said there were already enough solar farms in the area and described the proposal as “totally wrong”.
After extensive debate the strategic planning committee agreed to defer their decision for a site visit by committee members and officers to view the possible cumulative impact on the area.
Commenter Ricky N asks: “What would you prefer, land to grow food for the table or solar/wind farms for energy?”
Roger J replies: “As the land was used for grazing, this can continue below the panels as in Bodmin.”
Clare B says: “They could build solar panels over the car parks instead, like they do in Europe! That way the land can be used for its intended purpose, that is growing food & housing wildlife.”
Sarah J points out: “Solar farms provide somewhere for livestock to hide from the fierce summer sun…something worth considering.”
Clare B retorts: “Trees would do a better job. Plus the grass does not grow properly under solar panels, so it is not much use for grazing livestock either. Personally, I think putting solar panels over car parks makes far more sense. They already do it in parts of Europe and it is a great idea. You generate power, provide shade for cars and avoid covering up valuable farmland at the same time. Down here in Cornwall though, wind power seems the obvious choice over solar to me.”
Mick6161 writes: “A couple of recent developments are worth noting. The IPCC has reportedly signalled that its next report will tone down some of the more extreme predictions, with claims the previous ‘worst case scenarios’ are now considered implausible. Critics say this casts doubt on the reliability of the climate models used for years.
“Meanwhile, GB Energy, which previously ruled out using Chinese solar panels linked to slave labour, has now changed its position to ‘as far as possible’. So do we really need to keep losing valuable farmland to imported Chinese solar panels, despite ongoing concerns over forced labour and where the profits go? If these plans are approved, what guarantees are there that the panels were not made using slave labour, or does that no longer matter?”
Chris L replies: “They are fitting solar because they can and it pays far better than anything agriculture can offer. Imo it should only be fitted on buildings, save our farm land.”
Alistair A says: “People complain about land being used for solar farms, yet golf courses occupy enormous areas across the UK, often reserved for the use of a relatively small number of people. It is worth Googling just how much land nationwide is dedicated to golf courses before claiming renewable energy projects are the real threat to the countryside. At least solar farms contribute to energy security, reduce reliance on imported fuels and can often still support grazing and biodiversity alongside them.”
Clare B agrees: “That’s ridiculous too with acres going to waste, but at least grass and wildflowers grow there, so there is some green space! Solar panels taking up masses of acreage that could be put to better uses and the grass doesn’t grow under them properly, so is no good for grazing livestock.”
Sam D comments: “Can’t have it every way. If we want cleaner energy, people are going to have to accept seeing things they might not personally like. Otherwise we may as well just start digging up more coal and building coal fired power stations again. The problem is, everyone wants the benefits, just not anywhere near where they live.”
Do you think Cornwall has too many solar farms already, or are projects like this vital for the future of renewable energy? Share your views in the comments below.
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