Update on planning application for biogas plant at Higher Fraddon

This application is due to be discussed at the next meeting of the Strategic Planning Committee on April 7th.

However, today it has been confirmed that Greener for Life have appealed to the Planning Inspectorate. I understand that they have also appealed the “traffic movements“ application that has already been refused by the local authority.

It is all quite complicated, but it basically means that Greener for Life wish the decision to be decided by a single appointed Inspector, rather than democratically-elected local councillors.

Cornwall Council is presently seeking advice from the Planning Inspectorate about when the unitary authority will (or did) lose jurisdiction over the present application.

Some conflicting advice has been received today as to whether Cornwall Council lost jurisdiction when the appeal was lodged (31st March 2016) or will lose jurisdiction when a formal start date for the appeal is agreed by the Inspectorate.

At the moment, it is unclear whether councillors would be able to make a binding decision on Thursday, or will be debating what representations they would make to the actual appeal. There is also the possibility that discussion of the application could be deferred.

Sorry for the technical nature of this, but it is my hope that we will have some clarity on Monday, when I will update everyone further.