IN a call to arms on behalf of the environment, a small, independent Devon-based charity is taking on the might of international solar farm developers by legally challenging Torridge District Council’s decision to allow the Derril Water Solar Farm to be built at Pyworthy.

However, the developer RES says it is “disappointing” such a project that would have positive environmental benefits could be subject to “unnecessary” Judicial Review.

Devon CPRE is fighting what it calls its “biggest battle yet” to save the prime farmland that’s vital for food production and is one of the greatest ‘carbon capture’ resources.  

The charity is mounting a High Court challenge along with Pyworthy residents, including the actor John Nettles OBE who spearheaded Devon CPRE’s high-profile campaign against the Derril Water Solar Farm application. Legal challenges of this kind are notoriously costly. They need to raise £50,000 and are urging people across the country to support them in this and future campaign actions by donating to a Crowdfunder campaign www.crowdfunder.co.uk/devon-cpre

The legal action aims to ensure that local planning authorities — not just in Devon, but right across the country — cannot ignore or override their own policies and landscape assessments when granting permissions that have a major impact on the environment.

The High Court challenge has already met with initial success, with Torridge District Council conceding. However, a CPRE spokesperson said the developer, RES, is proving a “tougher nut to crack”. But the small charity is confident it has a strong case and with the backing of supporters can have this permission quashed. 

Devon CPRE director Penny Mills said: “This is a pivotal moment and a crucial battle to save our farmland from the developers with deep pockets who want to cover it with black glass. Our fightback has clearly struck a chord; within 24 hours of launching our Crowdfunder campaign to our membership, we received donations totalling over £1,500. 

“With two more large-scale solar farm applications currently in the Torridge planning system and many others around the country, it’s a case of now or never. If you believe our farmland has greater value for the environment and the future of our planet by remaining green, please, please back our campaign by donating whatever you can to our war chest. Every penny will help. If we succeed, you will be helping to oppose future huge solar farms degrading valuable farmland where you live.” 

In response Sarah Rocks, senior development project manager for RES, said: “Derril Water was recommended for approval by Torridge District Council planners and subsequently supported by the local planning committee when they met in November.

“They both agreed that Derril Water Solar Farm was a suitable location for a renewable energy project and that it should proceed.

“Just a couple of months ago almost 200 countries came together and agreed at COP26 to take urgent action to tackle climate change.

“Derril Water Solar Farm represents the urgent action required and that is why it is so disappointing for our shared futures for this renewable energy project to be potentially subject to an unnecessary Judicial Review.”

Torridge District Council did not wish to comment on this matter.