Countryside campaigners launch Crowdfunder to challenge the solar farm giants wrecking Devon’s world-beating farmland

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 a council's decision to allow an industrial-scale solar array to be built on 28 fields at Pyworthy in northwest Devon. Devon CPRE is fighting its biggest battle yet to save prime farmland that’s vital for food production and is one of the greatest ‘carbon capture’ resources we possess.  

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 controversial 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: https://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: Torridge District Council immediately conceded. The developer, global giant RES, is proving a tougher nut to crack. RES has made it clear that it will not back down without a fight,  so Devon CPRE has launched a David-versus-Goliath campaign. 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 says, “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.”