Sadly the appeal has been allowed in respect of a solar farm and BESS in the countryside at Ebberley Down near Roborough, Torridge district in North West Devon.
The planning inspector stated in the report that the main issues were: the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the surrounding landscape; and whether the proposed development would result in the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land (BMVAL).
It is worth noting that the Inspector concluded that the proposed development would harm the character and appearance of the surrounding landscape and it is not supported by Policy ST16 and conflicts with Policies DM08A, ST02 and ST14 of the North Devon and Torridge Local Plan 2011-2031 (LP).
Also, the site comprises some 60% of Best & Most Versatile agricultural land.
But despite all this, the Inspector concludes that “in this instance, material considerations outweigh the harm that would arise, the conflict with development plan policies and the Framework, and the great weight afforded to the conservation of heritage assets. Consequently, material considerations indicate that the proposed development should be permitted notwithstanding the conflict with the development plan as a whole”.
It seems that harm to the landscape, use of BMV land and conflict with planning policies now count for nothing in the planning process! To say this is an extremely disappointing decision is an understatement!