THE proposed site of a solar farm at Thorndon Cross will shortly be the subject of a site visit, following concerns over its impact on the area.

The application at Pittsworthy Farm is for the development of a solar farm covering 1.6 hectares, to include 5,022 static solar PV panels, a small transformer station and two weatherproof switchgear units, ecological enhancement and supplemental planting.

West Devon Borough Council planning officer Anna Henderson-Smith has recommended the plan for approval.

Ms Henderson-Smith said: 'This is considered a very sensitively sited scheme, sited low in the landscape and well thought through.'

Landscape officer Georgina Browne agreed.

In her report to the planning committee, she said: 'In my opinion this is a well sited proposal that should have limited impact upon the local or wider landscape.'

But Cllr John Hockridge, at last week's meeting of the borough's planning committee, disagreed.

He said:?'I have got a very strong feeling there are members here who don't know the site that well. I think we should have a site visit to see the site and what effect it may have.'

Cllr Bill Cann said: 'It is most important on any development like this. The bigger solar farm applications should always come before these committees and warrant a site visit.

'These farms can be a great intrusion into the countryside.'

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) have objected to the plans.

Penny Mills from the CPRE said: 'While smaller than the recent application at Highampton, nevertheless comprising over 5,000 solar panels on ground mounted arrays, yet again this is a large scheme in the countryside. 

'The CPRE are not against renewable energy, but its all about appropriate location, size and scale. And we wish to protect the countryside for all to enjoy from inappropriate development.'

The committee agreed to defer a decision on the application, pending a visit to the site.

The plans will come before the committee again in October.

The committee last week overturned officers' recommendations and turned down an application for a much larger, seven-hectare solar farm near Highampton on grounds of scale and visual impact on the surrounding area.