Devon CPRE leads the fight against Bulworthy Solar Farm and Battery Energy Storage System

Residents living near Alverdiscott in northern Devon, close to the proposed site of the largest solar and BESS scheme in Devon to date - 279 acres that would straddle two planning districts - have formed an action group to fight the scheme, following a presentation by Devon CPRE at a recent community meeting last week. The Bulworthy Solar Action Group met for the first time last week to decide next steps.

Devon CPRE Chair Steve Crowther and Director Penny Mills addressed a packed meeting at Alverdiscott Community Hall earlier this month. They outlined the charity’s concerns about the scale and impact on the local area of yet another large solar farm. They also spoke about the risk of fire or explosion posed by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), resulting in the emission of toxic fumes and heavy metals affecting both people and the environment. They told the gathering how important it is for every concerned individual to submit a comment to their local planning authority based on valid planning reasons. Beyond this, Devon CPRE Chair Steve Crowther says the most effective way to oppose the development is to ‘collectively organise.’

Steve Crowther said, “Because of its strong grid connection, Alverdiscott is a honeypot for investors wanting to cash in on the ‘solar and battery gold rush’. There’s a growing cluster of solar farms and battery schemes around Alverdiscott and Stony Cross, and this latest proposal, Bulworthy solar farm and BESS, would bring the cumulative total of farmland lost to solar up to nearly 700 acres. It’s starting to look like a mega site here.

“CPRE is the oldest environmental charity, founded 99 years ago specifically to fight threats to the countryside like the ones we’re currently facing. And we’ve had some success; by joining forces with partner organisations, we’ve successfully campaigned to shift the focus of solar from farmland to rooftops. Later this year, the new building standards will mandate that solar panels should be put on new-build roofs wherever possible. However, we still have a massive fight on our hands to stop good Devon farmland from being taken for solar sites. So far, we’ve lost about 4,500 acres.”

Devon CPRE Director Penny Mills told the community meeting that she had personal reasons to feel sad about the prospect of Bulworthy Farm disappearing under glass. She said, “I used to spend my childhood holidays visiting my great aunt, who used to live on a little part of Bulworthy Farm, so coming here has brought it all back to me. I remember the farm very well, and when I first heard about this proposal, it made me very sad.”

Devon CPRE has already submitted its objection to the Bulworthy solar farm and BESS, and it will continue to support members in their efforts to stop this inappropriate large-scale development. Both Natural England and the Historic Environment Team have objected to the application, highlighting inadequacies in the assessments provided by the developer.

Speaking after the meeting, residents voiced their concerns.

CPRE member Andy Woo said, “The worry is that we’ve got an Emperor’s New Clothes situation. We have people who are concerned quite rightly about climate change and the environment, but they’re not really aware that these projects are not going to make the change they think. We’ve heard statements read out tonight where they clearly equate these projects with saving the environment. They don’t necessarily know that the projects already in the pipeline and granted will already exceed the targets set for Net Zero. They, almost in a one-dimensional way, are thinking ‘renewable energy projects equal free electricity, which it doesn’t. It costs a lot of money to produce that, and then you’ve got to think at the other end about decommissioning.”

Resident Les Parton said he was worried about the mushrooming of solar sites in the countryside and the way governments are prioritising energy production over food production. Another resident, Pete Tanner, questioned the honesty of claims made by the developer, stating his belief that the scheme was motivated by the desire for investors to make money.

The Facebook page set up by the local action group for residents and supporters states that its mission is to Stop Bulworthy Solar Farm and Protect Our Countryside by sharing accurate information about the project and its potential impact, connecting with the community to raise awareness and coordinate action and providing a respectful space for discussion and update.