farmland

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...

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 trustee & energy spokesperson Dr Phillip Bratby has welcomed the decision

Significant win for Devon CPRE campaign as Mid Devon refuses Langford solar farm proposal

The Devon branch of the countryside charity CPRE is celebrating a significant win for its campaign against massive solar farms on agricultural land after Mid Devon councillors yesterday (22 Sept) ratified a decision to turn down a 150-acre solar farm and battery storage facility at Langford.

Seven members of Mid Devon’s planning committee voted to refuse the controversial application,...

Great Torrington appeal decision raises the question: do Local Planning Authorities have any authority over planning?

Outline planning permission has been granted for a major development of new homes on farmland at Great Torrington following a Planning Inspector’s decision to allow an appeal by developer Beechcroft Land Ltd.

The developer had sought permission in 2018 for 181 homes in three fields to the south of the town, next to the existing settlement boundary and urban area. The eastern field of...

South West Farmland prices more than treble within nine years

Farmland prices in the South West hit yet another record high during the first half of 2013 and have now more than trebled in less than a decade, according to the latest RICS Rural Land Market Survey H1 2013.

During the first six months of the year, the cost of farmland jumped to £7,250 per acre across the region, hitting a record high for the eighth consecutive period. The cost of...