We are incredibly disappointed to learn that His Honour Judge Jarman QC has dismissed our claim against Torridge District Council and solar developer Renewable Energy Systems Ltd over consent for the Derril Water site at Pyworthy. The case had been heard virtually at Bristol Civil Justice Centre on 22nd June and our challenge had centred on three grounds.
Taking this case to Court has been expensive for our small charity – tens of thousands of pounds – and we are so grateful for all the support via our crowdfunding campaign or elsewhere. Our solicitors, barrister and ourselves believed we had a strong challenge and it was an important case. It is vital that Local Planning Authorities understand, follow and adhere to national and local planning policy and Government guidance regarding protecting the countryside and landscape and our farmland so vital for food production and food security.
And we will plough on to protect farmland for food production despite this disappointment over the Pyworthy solar farm legal challenge.