Charity welcomes news for refusal of a 73 acre solar farm
Devon CPRE is today welcoming the news that councillors have refused permission for a large greenfield solar farm and battery storage facility.
It follows a decision by councillors in Torridge to go against the recommendation of their Planning Officer and refuse permission for a 73-acre solar farm, with battery storage, on agricultural land at Ebberley Down, near Roborough.
It’s one of very few applications across Devon that has been turned down in recent years and marks an astonishing turn-around for Torridge District Council.
The Council has historically given the go-ahead to such applications, including the highly controversial Derril Water solar farm near Pyworthy a few years ago.
During a lengthy debate, councillors argued that good quality farmland in this location in the countryside is not the right place for a large solar photovoltaic installation when there is plenty of empty space on rooftops, brownfield land and on new-build houses.
This stance is in line with the national charity CPRE’s campaign for rooftop renewables and the long-running ‘Grass not Glass’ campaign run by the charity’s Devon branch.
In fact, Cllr Chris Leather, who seconded the proposal for refusal, referred to Devon CPRE’s solar farm map, which shows how many industrial-sized sites have already been approved and built within the district.
Harm to landscape and environment outweighs possible benefits
The parish council had strongly objected to the application and the majority of district councillors agreed that it was the right decision to refuse it – on the basis that the harm to the landscape and environment outweighs the possible benefits in this location.
Councillors eventually voted by seven to two against the application, ignoring their Planning Officer’s recommendation.
‘This is really good and unexpected news! The agricultural land in question is in an unspoilt setting in the heart of the Torridge countryside between Roborough and Bickington,’ says Devon CPRE Director Penny Mills. ‘It’s heartening to see a Devon council, particularly Torridge, finally say “No! Enough is enough.’
Two years ago saw plans for a large solar farm on agricultural land in East Devon being refused following a meeting by local councillors.
They found the proposed construction area was waterlogged following recent rain which campaigners said was a reason for the site at Marsh Green being unsuitable for such a development.
