Plans to create the country's first geothermal power station, in the heart of the Cornish countryside, could move a step closer today if councillors agree to visit the proposed development site.

Renewable power company Geothermal Engineering Ltd wants to tap into the "hot rocks" technology as part of a £40 million plan for United Downs at St Day.

If given the go-ahead, the project would draw on Cornwall's mining heritage by drilling huge holes into the ground as part of the renewable energy process.

Residents are concerned about noise levels during the drilling process, as well as possible impacts on wildlife.

But the energy company recently held a site meeting to demonstrate noise levels, which it says will be no louder than conversational speech.

The plan will today come before Cornwall Council's Strategic Planning Committee to start the first phase of development, drilling three 5,000km (3.1 mile) wells into the ground.

Council officers have recommended committee members carry out an informal visit to the site in order to "gain an appreciation of the proposal in the context of the site location", for future full consideration at committee.

The geothermal system works by using the Earth's natural heat as a sustainable power source.

Wells will be drilled into the Earth's crust, where temperatures are expected to exceed 170ºC (338ºF).

Water will be pumped down into the rock where it is naturally superheated, before being pumped back to the surface as hot water or steam. The heated water will be used to power turbines to generate electricity and as a source of heat.

A planning application was submitted to Cornwall Council last year, but has yet to go before the planning committee.

If given the go-ahead, it would be the first geothermal power plant of its kind in the UK. It would also enhance Cornwall's bid to become a world leader in green technology, after Cornwall Council launched its ambitious and wide-ranging Green Cornwall plan for sustainable developments, solar farms and electric vehicles.

And earlier this month, Tim Smit, mastermind behind The Eden Project, issued a rallying cry for the region to share a vision to position the Westcountry at the front of green energy projects.

Ryan Law, Geothermal's managing director, said the site visit would allow the company's experts to meet with councillors and discuss their queries.

He said: "It is important that they have all the answers they need before making a decision on this pioneering project."

If the project receives planning permission, drilling work could begin in January next year.