Land East Of Karslake China Clay Works

The Karslake / Currian Vale scheme comprises two 135‑metre wind turbines positioned on an elevated bench tip east of Nanpean. The project was led by Clean Earth Energy (CE), whose in‑house planning team continues to deliver high‑quality renewable energy development across the China Clay district. These turbines represent numbers eleven and twelve in a long-running series of consents within this landscape.

OPA supported CE throughout the development process as a specialist renewable energy consultant, providing detailed technical advice on landscape, cumulative effects, clay tip topography, access logistics, ecology, noise, drainage and heritage considerations. OPA’s involvement across all twelve turbine applications in this area gives us unmatched insight into the sensitivities and opportunities of the China Clay landscape. This experience helped CE shape a robust, policy‑aligned submission that addressed all consultee requirements.

The officer report confirms that the proposal sits within a landscape already characterised by clay workings and existing turbines, noting that “the principle of the development… is supported” and that the application “has satisfactorily addressed the landscape recommendations made.” Public Protection confirmed compliance with ETSU‑R‑97 noise limits, the Ecologist deemed the scheme “OK subject to conditions,” and the Rights of Way, Highways, Archaeology and Contaminated Land teams raised no objections.

Once operational, the two turbines will generate around 22.4GWh of clean electricity per year, supporting Cornwall’s Climate Emergency DPD and contributing to long-term energy resilience. Their location also strengthens future opportunities for behind‑the‑meter renewable supply to Imerys, supporting industrial decarbonisation across the clay district.

Together, CE and OPA continue to deliver responsible, technically rigorous and landscape‑aware wind development in Cornwall’s most distinctive industrial region.