Plans for new solar farm approved

The solar farm will be built in Willand, near Cullompton, in Devon

Plans for a solar panel farm on agricultural land in Devon have been approved.

The site near Dean Hill Road, in Willand, near Cullompton, will generate an estimated 50 megawatts of electricity, which the applicant, Low Carbon Solar, said could provide enough electricity for 16,581 homes over the next 40 years.

The land is near three other solar farms, prompting concerns from some residents over the changing rural landscape.

Mid Devon District Council said the benefits of the scheme outweighed the disadvantages.

'Best' land

It said it would assess the "cumulative impact" of the solar farms should another application be received.

Much of the area to be used for the new solar farm is deemed top grade agricultural land – known as "best and most versatile" land, or BMV, in planning terms, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

However, planners said they were minded to approve the application because the panels were flat on the ground and were not easily seen.

The applicant said sheep would continue to graze the land.

Halberton Parish Council had initially objected in February, but its stance is now neutral because of 25 conditions.

These included a specified route for construction traffic, which would see vehicles routed from the M5 through Willand and not Halberton.

The solar panel farm is considered a temporary scheme, although permission has been granted for 40 years.