CPRE Devon

13/04/2026

The Stop Beacon Solar Residents have a couple of fundraising events planned on Saturday 18th April.

These include a guided walk at 10am around sections of the proposed Solar Generating Station Site. It is a great opportunity to experience some of the beautiful countryside and wildlife habitat that is being threatened by the proposed development.
To register your interest, please visit www.stopbeaconsolar.com

And a Barn Dance and Pasty Supper with music by Fiddlefit at Bradford & Cookbury Village Hall at 7pm.

Tickets avaiable at Ruby & Elm and HBH Woolacotts in Holsworthy, or by call 07346 501377

04/04/2026

https://devontoday.com/fury-as-plans-to-dump-waste-in-devon-countryside-face-backlash/

Devon CPRE has made a scathing objection to a proposal for a waste import site at Rackenford in North Devon, which residents have fiercely opposed, gaining over 900 signatures on an online petition site. A Devon councillor has also spoken out strongly against the proposed development because of the....

04/04/2026

Devon CPRE supports local community in laying waste to controversial proposals for a farm at Rackenford, North Devon

Devon CPRE has made a scathing objection to a proposal for a waste import site at Rackenford, which residents have fiercely opposed, gaining over 900 signatures on an online petition site. A Devon councillor has also spoken out strongly against the proposed development because of the negative impact it will have on the environment, wildlife and road safety.

With the backing of Devon CPRE and County Councillor Richard Hopley, residents are calling on Devon County Council to refuse a planning application for what’s described by the applicant as an ‘inert waste import and land-raising’ operation at East Nutcott Farm, Rackenford (planning application number DCC/4451/2025).

The proposed facility would bring 444,000 cubic meters (663,000 tonnes) of building waste into a peaceful rural landscape. The site lies close to the Little Dart River, within a “high sensitivity” landscape, due to its proximity to the North Devon Coast National Landscape, Culm Grassland Special Area of Conservation, Rackenford Moor Site of Special Scientific Interest, and its location within the North Devon Biosphere Reserve.

Devon CPRE’s objection says, ‘Despite being described as “landscape-led”, the development is a large-scale waste importation and land engineering operation. The scheme is fundamentally waste-led.’

The proposal is described as being delivered in phases. Devon CPRE points out that no clear phasing strategy is provided within the submitted documentation, and that this lack of detail further undermines confidence in the proposal and its potential impacts: “There is no clearly defined or enforceable phasing plan. It is not evident how much of the site would be worked at any one time, and there is no phasing strategy supported by robust information on vehicle movements, soil handling, or restoration methodology. This undermines the conclusions of the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA), and conflicts with the requirements of [several] Policies, which require clear and demonstrable enhancement of landscape character.”

The village of Rackenford is surrounded by narrow country lanes, which Devon CPRE and residents say are wholly unsuitable for the sustained heavy goods vehicle traffic the development would necessitate.

Devon CPRE concludes that the site is completely unsuitable for the type of activities proposed and that they would harm the landscape and road safety:
“Residents raise significant concerns regarding the adequacy of the evidence base and the environmental and highway impacts of the proposal. They argue that the development would result in long-term disruption, safety risks, and environmental harm, with no clear or proportionate community benefit.
“The proposal would involve substantial landform alteration and prolonged construction activity within a high-value landscape. Any claimed benefits are uncertain, insufficiently defined, and not secured through the application. The supporting technical assessments contain limitations and rely on assumptions rather than robust, site-specific evidence.
“On this basis, the application is considered contrary to a number of policies, including the North Devon and Torridge Local Plan Policies, ST14 and DM08/8A, and the Devon Waste Local Plan Policies W3, W11 and W12, as it fails to adequately demonstrate conservation and enhancement of landscape character and tranquillity. It is a waste-led development supported by insufficient technical evidence, and the application should be refused.”
Devon County Councillor Richard Hopley, South Molton, which covers the parish of Rackenford, says, “This application will be absolutely devastating for local communities. An average of 66 HGVs a day travelling along our country lanes and through local villages for four years will see the further decline of our roads and verges, and impact wildlife, the environment, people’s lives and health and pose a danger to other road users, especially walkers and cyclists.

“Why is it necessary to deposit 660,000 tons of soil to re-landscape? I would question what materials will be contained within that ‘soil’. Will there be invasive plants? Will the ground become contaminated? What would happen in four years if the company went into liquidation, leaving a complete mess of the surrounding environment? This application should be refused. It is of benefit to no one other than the applicant.”
The petition site set up by residents is continuing to gain signatures:

Petition · Oppose the waste import site at East Nutcott Farm, Rackenford DCC/4451/2025 - United Kingdom · Change.org

30/03/2026

30/03/2026

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 not to debate the matter at committee has been criticised by us – we opposed the application and said it was littered with errors, including figures for which the applicant had no evidence or calculations.

Devon CPRE Director Penny Mills says, “Not only are we utterly disappointed with the decision. We are also dismayed that it didn’t even go before the planning committee for discussion. The council must be aware of how controversial these applications are. Yet they decided that losing another 100 acres of farmland didn’t warrant going before the committee, and they didn’t give the public the chance to put their views in person. Many of the objections weren’t apparently considered relevant or sufficient to justify a refusal.”

She adds, “​​We are lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the country. What’s difficult to understand is why our councils aren’t standing up for the countryside here. Why don’t they want to protect it from creeping industrialisation? Where do they think our food will come from if so much farmland is sacrificed in this way? And what about visitors, who are so important for our economy? They come to Devon for its beautiful, undeveloped landscapes. Will they still come if they see glass and metal instead of green grass? Councils receive business rates for commercial schemes like this one. Is that one of the reasons why they are so keen to permit them?”

This latest solar farm approval comes as we ramp up our newest campaign to rally people power. Drawing inspiration from President Trump’s imperial ambitions, the campaign slogan is: “This Is Our Green Land – Mega Solar and Mega Batteries, KEEP OFF!“

Boards have gone up in the past fortnight in the area around the Alverdiscott grid node. We are supporting residents who are concerned about the next phase in the formation of a North Devon and Torridge Solar and Battery Cluster which Devon CPRE is calling the Alverdiscott Solar Cluster for campaign purposes.

Over the past few years, six projects have been given planning permission there, totalling 433 acres, including the hitherto largest solar farm in the county, at Litchardon Cross. Two new proposals at Bulworthy Farm (279 acres of solar) and West Webbery Farm (12 acres for battery containers) would increase the land grab to a total of 725 acres in an area of only 11 square miles.

Devon CPRE Chairman Steve Crowther and Torridge and Tavistock MP Sir Geoffrey Cox recently attended a meeting with residents in Alverdiscott’s community hall. The aim of the This Is Our Green Land campaign is to demonstrate to politicians locally and nationally that Devon’s lush, productive farmland and iconic landscape are not to be colonised by offshore developers chasing government subsidies. The dedicated petition site is www.DevonCPRE.org.uk

25/03/2026

Devon CPRE response to Marlcombe in East Devon not making the government's 'new town' shortlist

The government’s announcement yesterday 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 productive farmland now more than ever to ensure greater food security. However, it’s too soon to celebrate.

While the government’s list of the seven proposed new towns going forward for public consultation rules out any in Devon being considered for the time being, designating Marlcombe as a "development opportunity" with no infrastructure requirements is deeply concerning, and we need to wait for further clarification to better understand whether this is just a temporary reprieve.

Both East Devon District Council and Devon County Council are challenging the government’s decision not to select Marlcombe for the next phase of the national New Towns programme. Marlcombe now falls back into Cranbrook territory, with no government money or planning and design oversight, and could lead to haphazard development without the necessary infrastructure in place from the beginning. The government’s decision potentially leaves the Sword of Damocles hanging over the Marlcombe scheme.

Devon CPRE will be keeping a close eye on developments and urges people to take part in the public consultation launched by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, where they can find out more and submit their views:
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/new-towns-draft-programme/new-towns-draft-programme

The consultation is live until 19 May 2026.

09/03/2026

We have lodged our objection to proposals for two traveller pitches on a field at Charles near Brayford, but the applicant’s agent says it is needed to address the lack of available traveller facilities in North Devon - read more below.

Devon CPRE lodges its objection to proposals for two traveller pitches on a field at Charles near Brayford, but the applicant’s agent says it is needed to address the lack of available traveller facilities in North Devon

06/03/2026

We've been helping our members living in and around the hamlet of Hawkchurch in East Devon, close to the borders with both West Dorset and Somerset, who are fighting proposals to site two large Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in the parish. BESS developers appear to favour the rural location because of its relative proximity to the Axminster Substation. Opponents are gearing up for two public inquiries starting on March 10th 2026.

They are desperately trying to raise funds to finance their battle. Our short film explains their concerns.

04/03/2026

It's already been a busy start to the year, a year in which we celebrate 100 years of CPRE.

2026 marks our centenary year, and we’re incredibly excited to celebrate!

For 100 years, we’ve worked together to stand up for the countryside, from helping establish the first Green Belts to protecting hedgerows, dark skies and the landscapes we all treasure. And our work is far from finished.

Before we look ahead to the next chapter, take a moment to see the highlights of our first century, our history, achievements and impact, all told in just 100 seconds.

Watch our story unfold.

👉 https://bit.ly/4aG4iaV

2026 marks our centenary year. A milestone made possible by the dedication of our members, supporters and communities who have stood with us to protect the c...

04/03/2026

A green field in a small hamlet in the north Devon countryside is precisely the type of location that national and local planning policies say should be avoided for a travellers’ pitch, says the charity that campaigns to protect Devon’s countryside from inappropriate development.

Devon CPRE has objected to a revised planning application for two pitches with hardstanding, day rooms, a children’s play area and other associated infrastructure at Charles. The site comprises approximately 2.2 hectares of modified grassland, bounded by native hedgerows and an earth bank and falls within not only the setting of Exmoor National Park, but the Exmoor Fringe Devon Character Area and the Moorland Edge Slope Landscape Character Type.

Read more here:

A green field in a small hamlet in the north Devon countryside is precisely the type of location that national and local planning policies say should be avoided for a travellers’ pitch, says the charity that campaigns to protect Devon’s countryside from inappropriate development. Devon CPRE has ...

04/03/2026

There’s still time to have your say on the future of our countryside.

The government’s planning consultation closes on 10 March, and the National Planning Policy Framework will shape what gets built, where, and how our landscapes are protected.

It only takes a few minutes to respond, and a helpful guide has been created to make it simple.

Have your say here 👉 https://bit.ly/4rhdbwR

🌳 Don't miss out! Have your say on the future of the countryside before the government’s planning consultation closes on 10 March.

The National Planning Policy Framework shapes what gets built, where, and how our landscapes are protected. Responding can feel technical, so we’ve done most of the hard work for you — with key questions, suggested answers and tips to personalise your response.

It only takes a few minutes, but it helps show decision-makers how strongly people feel about protecting the places we love.

👉 https://bit.ly/4rhdbwR

19/02/2026

Celebrating 100 years of standing up for the countryside.

As we mark our centenary, this milestone is both a reflection on a century of protecting rural landscapes and a renewed call to action. From safeguarding National Parks to championing sustainable development and thriving local communities, our mission remains clear: protect what makes our countryside special while shaping a greener, fairer future.

Read more here on the Moorlander website: https://bit.ly/4rwQTYm