Planning approval granted for controversial solar farm

In a decision that has sparked widespread debate, a 70-acre solar farm in northern Devon has been granted planning approval on appeal, despite concerns that it contradicts both local and national planning policies. The development, proposed by Elgin Energy EsCo Ltd, is to be located on land at Ebberley Hill, near Great Torrington, an area known for its distinctive culm grassland and high-quality agricultural land.
Planning Inspector T. Gethin, who allowed the appeal, acknowledged that the solar farm and its associated battery storage facilities would introduce "uncharacteristic, industrial-esque development" over a relatively large area. Furthermore, the development would lead to the loss of valuable farmland, including nearly two-thirds of the site, which falls under the 'Best and Most Versatile' (BMV) agricultural land category. This category is typically protected by government policy to preserve high-quality farmland for food production.
Despite these concerns, the inspector found that Torridge District Council, which had initially rejected the proposal, was 'entitled' to conclude that the harms of the development outweighed the benefits. However, the inspector ultimately determined that the project should proceed, citing the growing demand for renewable energy as a key factor in the decision.
The solar farm will have a nominal capacity of 28 megawatts (MW), enough to power over 6,000 homes. In addition to the solar panels, the project includes a battery storage facility, with two dozen 40-foot containers filled with lithium-ion batteries, designed to store the energy generated by the panels.
The site is situated on land historically known for its culm grassland, a rare and species-rich habitat unique to North Devon and North Cornwall. More than 92% of this habitat has been lost since the mid-20th century, making its preservation a critical concern for conservationists.
Devon CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England) has been a vocal opponent of the development. The charity has expressed its disappointment over the decision, which it describes as a "death knell for democratic planning." Steve Crowther, Chairman of Devon CPRE, argued that the ruling undermines local planning processes, stating: "The North Devon and Torridge Local Plan was eight years in the making. It encapsulates the will of the people, through their elected representatives, to develop their area with logic, care, and sensitivity."
Crowther also criticised the decision for suggesting that local plans could be bypassed, claiming that the outcome of the appeal was influenced by national policy priorities. "With this judgement, the Planning Inspector has indicated that the Local Plan can be bypassed at will," Crowther said. "The ‘material considerations’ referred to appear to be that Ed Miliband wants more solar, and nothing may now stand in his way."
Dr. Phil Bratby, Energy Spokesperson for Devon CPRE, also raised concerns about the reliability of the solar farm's output. "The Inspector ignored all the valid information provided by objectors and is deluded in stating that the proposal will ‘provide a secure, stable supply’ of electricity. Nothing could be further from the truth; there is nothing secure or stable about the output of intermittent solar power, even with associated batteries."
Critics also pointed out that the UK’s potential for solar power is relatively low compared to other countries. The World Bank's 2020 ranking placed the UK as the second-worst country in terms of solar power potential, with only Ireland ranking lower. Crowther highlighted that this decision could pave the way for further encroachments on valuable agricultural land, citing the loss of over 40,000 acres of top-grade farmland in the UK since 2010, leading to a significant reduction in food production.
As the solar industry continues to expand in the UK, the case has sparked a broader debate about the balance between renewable energy development and the preservation of rural landscapes and agricultural land.
The decision on the solar farm appeal can be reviewed under reference: APP/W1145/W/24/3353044.