North Tawton residents have vocally objected to a planning application (2103/26/FUL) for a solar farm on the south west of the town to serve the Arla cheese factory.

At the time of writing, 35 letters of objection and only two letters of support had been submitted to West Devon Borough Council.

Residents have raised concerns that the development would be an “eyesore,” result in the loss of good quality agricultural land and set a precedent for increasing industrialisation in the area. They also pointed to the town’s neighbourhood plan, which prioritises the protection of higher quality land from development, and a previous failed planning application for a solar farm on the site.

On Tuesday (September 1), North Tawton Town Council discussed the planning application in front of a packed audience and agreed to oppose the application.

Cllr Carol Burrow summed up the objections: “It will be a notable feature on the landscape with uninterrupted views from the east. I feel [this application] would fall under the category of high sensitivity due to the effect on valued views, users of public rights of way, changes to the landscape and the effects on occupiers of residential properties with views affected by the development.”

She also referred to a public consultation on the proposal which took place in 2024 and asked whether Arla should rely on opinions gathered over two-and-a-half years ago “since there have been changes globally, nationally and locally in North Tawton”.

However, some councillors and residents have made arguments in support of the application. These have included the importance of reaching net zero and using renewable energy sources, supporting a local employer, and allowing the landowner “to benefit from the land in an alternative way.”

Practically, Cllr Noah Smith added: “It’s going to be visible from somewhere.”

The proposals are for a solar farm capable of generating around 5.4 megawatts of electricity, together with associated infrastructure including inverters, transformers, cabling, CCTV, access tracks, fencing and landscaping.

The development would cover around 11.93 hectares of a single field currently used for agriculture. The land is classed as Grade 2, meaning it is considered very good quality agricultural land.

Vincent Bartlett of SSE Energy Solutions has submitted the application in partnership with Arla Foods. It was first put forward on July 19. The consultation began on August 14 and will run until September 17.

To view or comment on the application, visit the West Devon Planning Portal at https://westdevon.planning-register.co.uk/.