Hundreds turn out to oppose mega solar farm plans

Stephen Crowther, from the Campaign to Protect Rural England, is opposing the plans

Hundreds of people have attended a meeting in opposition to plans for one the UK's biggest solar farms.

More than 200 residents packed into Holsworthy Memorial Hall in Devon earlier to hear concerns about the proposed 1,100 hectares (2,700 acres) Beacon Solar project.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England's (CPRE) described the plans as "a market dash in favour of government policy", adding it would negatively impact the town's "incredibly productive" farmland.

Developer Galileo Empower told the BBC the solar farm would "reduce reliance on fossil fuels", and the government said any project would go through "a rigorous planning process".

"People are very, very worried about this, principally because of the size," said Stephen Crowther, from CPRE Devon.

"These big solar farms are now dropping out the sky at an alarming rate."

More than 200 people packed into Holsworthy Memorial Hall

Mr Crowther added: "There are other ways of doing this.

"They may be more inconvenient, they may be a little bit more expensive, but we will regret it if we allow our incredibly productive farmland to be used in this kind of market dash in in the favour of government policy."

Due to the size of the proposal it would be considered a nationally significant infrastructure project, so a decision on whether to proceed would be made by the government.

But one expert believes solar is key to the government's environmental plans as it is "the cheapest" form of renewable energy.

"In a lot of circumstances, it's cheaper to build solar and wind energy than it is to build gas power stations," said Peter Connor, professor in sustainable energy policy at the University of Exeter.

Developer Galileo Empower said the project would contribute to fighting climate change

Prof Connor added: "It's certainly a lot cheaper to build than a nuclear power station," he said.

"It's a really good way for the UK to build its energy security while reducing costs, and also reducing its emissions."

Galileo Empower, the developer of the Beacon Solar project, said climate change was "one of the greatest threats to society".

"As part of the UK's transition to clean, secure energy, the project will contribute to cutting emissions, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and powering homes across the country for generations to come.

"We are fully committed to continue working closely with all local stakeholders during this early development stage and beyond."

A spokesperson for the government's Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) said: "The biggest threat to agriculture and nature is the climate crisis.

"Solar is the cheapest power, getting us off fossil fuels and delivering energy security so we can get bills down for good.

"All projects are subject to rigorous planning processes, and the views of the local community must be taken into account."