IN relation to an article in last week's paper regarding the solar farm applications, the Times would like to clarify that there is currently only one live planning application in the borough for a Solar PV Farm — at Willisland, Highampton, application number 01537/2011.

As stated in the article, a number of screening and scoping opinion requests relating to solar farms have been made to West Devon Borough Council. A screening opinion is a formal request to the local planning authority as to whether a scheme would require a Environmental Impact Assessment application. Once the planning authority issues its formal opinion, this screening opinion is in the public domain.

Should the planning authority deem a scheme constitutes EIA development, developers can return to the authority for a formal opinion on the scope of the Environmental Statement which should accompany such a planning application – a scoping opinion. Should any sites be submitted as a formal planning applications, they will be advertised by West Devon Borough Council on its website, letters will be sent to nearest neighbours, and if necessary, advertised in the local paper. It is at this stage that the public can make their representations, which will be duly considered in determining the application.