latest news

We are completely dismayed that North Devon District Council has permitted a 108-acre solar farm in Braunton without even a planning committee debate. Exagen Development was granted planning permission by North Devon District Council yesterday for a solar array along with a substation, cabling, CCTV and fencing on farmland south of Buttercombe Lane, Braunton (Planning Application 80182). The decision not only to grant permission but

The government’s announcement this week that the proposed new town of Marlcombe in East Devon is not on its shortlist of those likely to proceed will come as a big relief to the local community, which has long opposed the controversial scheme. Devon CPRE has always been concerned about the loss of some 500 hectares, primarily farmland and some ancient woodland, arguing that we need

Our farmland is facing a ‘land crunch’ as solar, housing and other demands compete for space. Yesterday (Wednesday 18 March), the government published England’s first Land Use Framework, which it claims will play a central role in delivering food security, clean energy, nature restoration and new homes over the coming decades. Here's our response: Devon CPRE Chairman, Steve Crowther says: “Devon CPRE was warning farming

An inquiry is due to commence on 10th March 2026, and scheduled to last for 4 days, regarding the application for a BESS on Land South of Hazelhurst, Raymonds Hill, Axminster (East Devon District Council reference number 24/0096/MFUL) (Appeal: APP/U1105/W/25/3369854). We strongly objected to the proposal because it would be a massive industrial complex of 27 acres located in the open countryside, in an area

Despite a previous appeal for a new housing development in Holly Lane being dismissed, a new application has been submitted to Torridge District Council for 20 dwellings (ref 1/0020/2026/FULM). We have submitted an objection because the current proposal does not meaningfully address the Inspector’s previous concerns and does not overcome the reasons why the earlier scheme was dismissed.

There has been a large outcry of opposition from local residents to this latest planning application for new houses in Tavistock, with many people fearing that the roads and services in and around the town just can't cope with any more. We have submitted a comprehensive objection to the application (ref 3771/25/OPA). Approximately 91% of the site is classified as Grade 3a agricultural land, which

We have submitted a comprehensive objection to the latest application for 63 dwellings on land east of the Sidmouth Road (ref 26/0094/MOUT). East Devon District Council's own evidence base Site Selection Report Ottery St Mary (Sept 2024 p 36-38) concluded this site should not be allocated due to landscape sensitivity, heritage considerations, infrastructure constraints, highway limitations, and high-quality agricultural land. There has been no change

We have just heard that Beacon Solar have withdrawn their NSIP application for the 2,700 acre project at Holsworthy Beacon, citing a need for ‘further assessment’. While this is good news, we do not regard it as an end to the threat. Therefore please continue to sign and share the Petition devoncpre.org.uk so that we are all the more prepared if and when the application