Residents living near a proposed geothermal drilling project in Cornwall have raised urgent concerns following the discovery of a significant Bronze Age roundhouse at the site, which they argue is now under threat from the development.
Residents near a proposed geothermal drilling site in Cornwall have voiced serious concerns after a major Bronze Age roundhouse was discovered on land now earmarked for development, which they say could be damaged or lost if the project proceeds.
The archaeological discovery was made at Manhay on land owned by Cornwall Council, which plans to lease the site to Geothermal Engineering Ltd (GEL). Local residents and heritage advocates are now calling on both the council and the company to reconsider, arguing that protecting Cornwall’s ancient history should take priority over the drilling project.
Opponents claim the importance of the find has been understated by both Cornwall Council and GEL. They fear a revised planning application is being rushed through so work can begin before the original permission expires. One resident told the Packet, “If the project goes ahead on this site, these Bronze Age remains will be destroyed. We accepted the development after the first application failed, but now that a Bronze Age site has been found, it puts everything at risk.”
Concerns are not limited to archaeology. Locals are also worried about changes to site access and road safety. The site lies at a known accident hotspot, and the original planning approval required a one-way traffic system. The new variation proposes allowing two-way HGV traffic at the A394 Manhay crossroads, a junction residents describe as already dangerous.
People living nearby strongly oppose the change, citing increased noise and a higher risk of collisions caused by heavy vehicles entering and leaving the site from both directions.
In response, GEL CEO Ryan Law said the company is addressing both heritage and safety issues. On the archaeological discovery, he stated that GEL has sought professional advice and will carry out all works in line with planning conditions to protect the historic environment.
Regarding traffic concerns, GEL maintains that safety remains a top priority. The company said the revised access plans were developed in cooperation with Cornwall Council’s highways department and that discussions with local councillors are already underway to explore temporary and long-term improvements to road safety along the A394.
GEL also said it will continue to update residents and stakeholders through future community liaison meetings as the planning process moves forward.
