Devon solar farm developers ask council to reconsider rejection ruling

Developers of a solar farm in Devon that was refused permission in February have asked Mid Devon District Council to "reconsider its reasons".

More than 400 people objected to the original plans to erect 23,500 solar panels on 45 acres of farmland in Morebath, near Dulverton.

Juwi Renewable Energy has revised the project to cover 30 acres - about the size of 22 football pitches.

The company said it had "changed the scheme and responded to concerns".

Alex Fornal from Juwi said: "We'd like to re-examine this, re-engage and have a further dialogue and hopefully reason will prevail."

'Can't cover countryside'

At the time, Juwi Renewable Energy 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.

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

Andrew Moore, of Morebath Parish Council, said said the local community would be "extremely disappointed and upset if this eventually gets the go-ahead".

"We can't cover our beautiful Devon countryside that brings tourism and consequential jobs into the area by just making them unpleasant to come to," he said.

The company has asked the council to reconsider its reasons for turning the application down before it goes to appeal.