The Government has finally published its National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

CPRE & the Devon Association of Local Councils (DALC) have written an introduction to this new planning system in a format that can be used as a personal brief or which can be used as a Presentation to your Local Parish Council or amenity group. Download this presentation here… CPRE’s National Office has also written a Brief on how CPRE sees the final NPPF. Read this here…

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    Braunton, North Devon solar farm permitted

    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

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    Our response to Marlcombe in East Devon not making the Government’s New Town shortlist

    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

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    Our Response to the Government’s Land Use Framework – 19th March 2026

    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

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    East Devon Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) – Public Inquiry starts 10th March

    East Devon community urgently seeks funds to fight two landmark Appeals into proposed Battery Energy Storage Systems  Devon CPRE is backing residents around the rural…

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    150MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), Axminster – At Appeal

    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

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    More houses for Halwill Junction, Torridge?

    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.

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