Devon solar farm plans get 400 objections

More than 400 people have objected to solar farm plans in a Devon village.

Juwi Renewable Energy wants to erect 23,500 solar panels on 45 acres of farmland in Morebath, near Dulverton.

Mid Devon District Council, which said it had received 418 individual objections, has been recommended to refuse the application.

Juwi said it had made efforts to consult households, adding it planned to screen the site, plant wild flower meadows and graze sheep in the area.

'One big lump'

The project would generate energy for about 1,000 households a year, the company said.

However, Andrew Moore, of Morebath Parish Council, said the parish was concerned about its impact as it was "in one big lump in the middle of the Devon countryside".

He said: "There is the question whether we should be using farmland to generate power like this."

Members of the parish council said they were worried about the visual impact, which they fear could affect tourism.

Alex Fornal, from Juwi Renewable Energy, said the company had "bent over backwards" to lessen the visual and environmental impact of the scheme.

He said: "We are absolutely committed to being good neighbours for the local community."

Mid Devon Council said each planning application was considered on its merits.