A PROPOSAL for a solar farm at Bridgerule, which was rejected by planners, is to go to appeal.

Lightsource Renewable Energy Ltd has submitted the appeal after Torridge District Council refused permission for the installation of the solar farm at Southlands Farm.

The council felt the ‘large scale, industrial character, layout, and proximity to the other energy development — wind turbines, solar farms and pylons — would be harmful to the fabric and aesthetic qualities of the rural, agricultural landscape.

Twelve objections to the plan were placed on Torridge Council’s website, including opposition from Cllr Alan Whittle, Torridge member for Hartland and Bradworthy.

He commented on the initial planning application: “It would seem that yet again an industrial sized solar farm is in the process of destroying our countryside.

“I look at Holsworthy and it’s surrounding area and see an over development of renewable energy.

“I have documentation that states that the main feed to Bristol is full and no more renewables can be connected so are we going to build more and more and pay out FIT (Feed In Tariff) to farms that are in effect producing nothing?

“It is time that some sense was shown in this matter and that this application be refused.”

Lightsource Renewable Energy had stated that the solar farm would generate locally sourced energy for around 1,500 homes, while saving 2,500 tonnes of carbon emissions every year — equivalent to taking 569 large family cars off the roads.

It also said the land had been specifically chosen because it was well-screened by surrounding vegetation and woodland so would not disrupt the view of any surrounding area.

Existing trees and hedgerow on the site were also to be retained and managed as part of the project with the nearby woodland being protected throughout any installation processes.

Residents were welcomed to express their views on the plans with an open information evening and online feedback forms.

Cllr Whittle, who is also a resident of the Bradworthy area, said of Lightsource’s appeal: “The whole area has become industrialised with solar, and wind, farms. I personally think we should be putting a hold on any further developments as there are too many in the area as it is.

“If you look out from the top of the hill at Ivyleaf Golf Club it is unbelievable the amount of turbines you can see — they look like mushrooms dotted around.

“I have nothing against renewable energy but I think there has to come a point where it becomes too much. Any new turbines going up now will be unable to join onto the main feed to Bristol because it is full — I just think, personally, it would be a waste if the appeal is successful.”

The appeal against the rejection has been submitted by Lightsource’s agents, Wardell Armstrong.

Anyone wishing to view the original planning application and see details of the plan being appealed, can do so via the Torridge District Councils planning website quoting reference 1/0756/2015/FULM