Devon CPRE

Devon CPRE backs Marsh Green residents as they fight solar farm developer at a public inquiry

The small rural community of Marsh Green in East Devon will be taking on the might of a solar farm developer, with the backing of the Devon branch of the countryside charity CPRE, at a public inquiry scheduled to start on Tuesday 12 September.

East Devon’s planning committee refused permission last December for a 30MW solar farm of 60,000 solar panels on 218 acres of land across 27...

Will new homes continue to concrete over the countryside?

Devon CPRE responds to PM's vow not to 'concrete over the countryside' for housing

Devon CPRE, the local branch of the countryside charity, has campaigned for many years for the right type and number of new homes to be built in the right places at prices local people can afford.

Responding to new housebuilding plans announced by PM Rishi Sunak and Housing Secretary Michael Gove, Devon CPRE Director Penny Mills said: “While it’s heartening to hear Mr Sunak promise not...

Angelie Pickett's painting of Ugbourough was last year's winner in the older age group

Devon’s countryside charity begins its 2023 search for young artists

The Devon branch of the countryside charity CPRE is looking for budding young artists who can capture the beauty and variety of the county’s natural landscapes, from its wild moorlands to its sheltered river valleys.

Young artists aged 18 and under have until the end of September to submit a painting, drawing, textile, collage, or mixed media artwork of a Devon view to win the coveted...

Devon CPRE’s annual Best Churchyard Competition opens for entry!

The Devon branch of the countryside charity is once again on the lookout for award-worthy churchyards across the county. Since Devon CPRE launched its Best Churchyard Competition six years ago, the charity has come across inspiring stories of communities pulling together to make the most of the green spaces around their churches and chapels.

Last year’s winner, All Saints in Kenton,...

Devon CPRE celebrates Marsh Green solar farm refusal

Devon CPRE, the Devon branch of the countryside charity, is celebrating after councillors in East Devon voted to refuse permission for a large solar farm on agricultural land at Marsh Green, near Exeter, following a two-hour debate just before Christmas.

The 6:4 decision (with one abstention) came as a welcome surprise to opponents of the scheme, including residents in and around Marsh...

A solar panel in a Devon field (photo by Devon CPRE)

Allowed at appeal: Mid Devon solar farm's 100,000 glass panels will not reflect local democracy, says Devon CPRE

The Devon branch of the countryside charity says the victory of a developer, whose proposals for a solar farm facility larger than 70 football pitches have been allowed on appeal, represents yet another blow to local democracy within the planning system.

Mid Devon District Council’s planning committee had originally rejected plans for the solar farm and battery storage facility at...

Unleash potential of rooftop solar to tackle energy crisis, Devon CPRE urges Chancellor

Changes to planning policy could turbocharge the rollout of solar energy and help reduce reliance on gas at little or no cost to the public purse, analysis by CPRE, the national countryside charity has shown. It’s urging the government to target rooftops, car parks and brownfield sites for a rapid expansion of renewables.

The Devon branch of the charity, Devon CPRE, has been fighting...

East Devon residents call on Devon CPRE to help them fight solar on farmland

Villagers of Marsh Green in East Devon have made an urgent appeal to the Devon branch of the countryside charity CPRE to help them fight an alarming planning application for a solar farm that would destroy hundreds of acres of productive land and increase the risk of their homes flooding. The extraordinary proposal also includes cutting off the nearby hamlet of Westcott for five days a week...

Aerial view of a large solar installation on Devon farmland (image by Devon CPRE)

Why is government guidance not to develop solar on quality farmland being routinely ignored?

The Devon branch of the countryside charity CPRE is issuing a defiant call to arms - highlighting the blatant inconsistencies in the Planning system that are allowing solar development on thousands of acres of Best and Most Versatile (BMV) land that the Government says should be protected and prioritised for food production.

The small independent charity is ramping up its campaign to...

Devon CPRE calls for the crippled planning system to be scrapped after a premium holiday village was

Premium holiday village for Yelland Quay allowed on appeal

A 250-unit village proposed for the banks of the Taw estuary in North Devon has been given the green light, in a decision described by Devon CPRE as “a tragedy for both the environment and local house-hunters”.

In an Appeal decision published today (30 June) following a public inquiry, the Planning Inspectorate has found in favour of the developers who want to build a high-end...

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