Geoffrey met residents of Pyworthy and Derriton on Friday, 23 July 2021, to discuss proposals for a 160 acre solar panel park in the area that will add to more than 60 acres of solar panels already existing on an adjacent site.
In addition to visiting the proposed location of the site and meeting the landowners, Geoffrey also met those opposing the planning application.
Geoffrey said:
“I understand the very strong concerns of many local residents that the character of this beautiful landscape will be damaged by the cumulative effect of solar parks nearby, and I would very much prefer to see high quality agricultural land like this being used for traditional agricultural purposes. It is always sad when a community feels itself so divided by an individual planning application in this way.
“But it is important to listen carefully and in detail to each side of the case and, as I have explained to both parties, for that reason planning matters such as this are for the local council to decide. The planning system exists to balance the competing interests in difficult and sensitive applications. It is vital that residents should feel their voice has been heard within that process.”
Geoffrey said he would pass on the views and concerns he had heard to the local planning authority.