Speedwell Solar Farm

We have created this website to provide information about our emerging proposals and to enable people to contact us with questions and comments.

This website will be kept updated as the project develops to keep you informed and to hear your views and ideas.

Speedwell Solar Farm was granted planning permission at appeal in March 2026.

We would like to thank everyone who took part in our pre planning consultation and provided feedback on the proposals. Further information and future project updates will be shared with the community as we progress towards construction.

About Speedwell Solar Farm

View the full infographic.

We have developed proposals for a solar farm in the village of Gwinear, Cornwall, approximately 300 meters south of the Hayle-Camborne Railway Line.

Solar power is a crucial technology to overcome the energy security and climate challenges of this country. Cornwall has high solar radiance levels, making it a great location for a solar farm, and helping to meet the net zero targets set by the UK Government and Cornwall Council. 

The proposals have the potential for an export capacity of up to 40MW of electricity, which is equivalent to the needs of around 12,000 homes.

The project will deliver a Community Benefit Fund of £16,000 each year it is operating. This could be used for local projects and initiatives that support the transition to renewable energy and help to reduce fuel poverty. Due to the site location, we have also committed to delivering a new biodiversity area and car park for Gwinear Primary School as part of the proposals.

What is happening?

Project updates

Get the latest updates and developments for Speedwell Solar Farm, or contact the team using the contact form.

Go to the project updates

Find your Frequently Asked Questions here

If you cant find your quesion here, please leave us your question in the form on the bottom of the page and we will give you an answer as soon as we can.

Local Suppliers

Our aim is to have the least impact and provide the most benefit to the communities in which we operate. The construction phase is one way we can create economic benefits through inward investment, i...

Site selection

2023

Extensive research to identify a suitable site for Speedwell Solar Farm.
Community consultation

June - July 2023

We consulted local communities, stakeholders and elected representatives on the emerging proposals both in person and online.
Original planning application

November 2023

We submitted a planning application to Cornwall Council for a solar project near to the village of Gwinear, Cornwall.
Planning decision

February 2025

Cornwall Council refused our application at committee.
Planning appeal submitted

August 2025

Following a review of the decision, we submitted our appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.
Appeal hearing

January 2026

A hearing was held to inform the Planning Inspectorates decision on the appeal.
Appeal approval

March 2026

The Planning Inspectorate reviewed the application and granted planning permission.
Pre construction activites

Today

We are currently working on post planning, pre construction activities to enable work to begin on site.
Construction

2027 - 2028

Construction is expected to take approximately 12 months. Planning conditions are used to manage elements of construction.
Fully operational

2029

The project team

Harry Venables

Project Manager

Rory Puxley

Senior Community Liaison Manager

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Speedwell Solar Farm