Plans for Devon energy storage facility rejected

Plans for a battery energy storage facility near Holsworthy, covering 3.6 hectares, were rejected by Torridge councillors due to concerns about the impact on the local landscape. This proposed facility would have been the 17th renewable energy project within a five-mile radius, raising alarms about cumulative effects on the green fields and farmland in Pyworthy. Councillor Kit Hepple emphasized the need for smaller projects to minimize environmental impact, citing potential fire hazards associated with the large development. The company behind the proposal, RES Ltd, had suggested measures to mitigate visual impact, including planting hedgerows and enhancing biodiversity. However, these assurances did not sway the majority of councillors, who prioritized the preservation of the countryside over the potential benefits of the energy project. Councillor Rosemary Lock expressed support for the project, noting the absence of objections from local authorities, including Pyworthy Parish Council and Natural England. Despite this, the planning committee voted against the application, going against the advice of planning officers who indicated that the proposal would likely succeed if appealed. The decision reflects a growing trend among local councils to scrutinize renewable energy projects more closely, balancing the need for sustainable energy solutions with the imperative to protect rural landscapes. This case highlights the ongoing debate over land use and environmental conservation in the context of expanding renewable energy infrastructure.