Front Generator Wind Turbine

The owner of Truro Airfield wants to build a wind turbine as high as Truro Cathedral on the site.

Owner Graham Barral has vowed to donate five per cent of profits from the proposed 77m wind turbine to the nearby Blackwater Community Primary school.

And neighbours of the site at Deer Park, Tregavethan would also benefit by getting free solar panels on their roofs if the plans go ahead.

Mr Barral said he was a fan of renewable energy and would need the extra income from the wind turbine to help meet the costs of becoming a licensed airfield.

He said the airfield would need to become licensed in order to continue operating when the 1,500 houses at neighbouring Langarth are built as part of a development that was opposed by Mr Barral.

The plans for the turbine have won support from some people in the area but others have raised concerns.

Mark Milne wrote on the Cornwall Council planning website: “With the possibility of 1,500 houses and a stadium being built in the area, and other housing estates being built, there is a need for renewable energy sourcce in Truro.

“I live locally and I do not think the wind turbine at Truro Airfield will be as visible as others. And it will not have as much impact on the landscape as 1,500 houses and a Stadium.”

Chris Wilson, headteacher at Blackwater, said pupils would name the turbine and increase their understanding of renewable energy through visits to the site.

He said in a letter of support: “Due to the incalculable benefits to the children, their education and understanding of the wider community and associated environmental concerns, Blackwater School wholeheartedly supports the application for a turbine.”

However, Jan Taplin, from Tregavethan, wrote to the council to say it should consider the cumulative impact of another turbine in the area.

She said: “In this area there are many turbines of all shapes and sizes. It looks like a turbine graveyard, completely spoiling the landscape from near and far.”

Mr Barral said he did not expect the turbine to affect operations at the airfield.

The plans will now be considered by Cornwall Council.