Solar panel application approved in Exeter

Dozens will be installed near the University

Dozens of new solar panels will be put on a field in Exeter, despite concerns about their impact on the landscape.

Exeter City Council’s planning committee narrowly approved the application by the university, in which ground-mounted panels and associated infrastructure will be installed in Duryard Valley Park.

It is publicly accessible land – designated a site of nature conservation importance and a county wildlife site – owned by the university.

Speaking in favour of the 1.07MWp (megawatt peak) solar array, which will provide around three per cent of the university’s electricity demand, its director of sustainability, Joanna Chamberlain, said it would help reduce the organisation’s carbon footprint.

“We are in a climate crisis and the proposed PV array at Duryard would provide an opportunity to make significant strides towards towards carbon net zero, alongside roof-mounted [solar panel] installations.”

Fourteen public objections were received, with concerns that the solar farm would harm the character of Duryard Valley and harm wildlife, “obstruct an active travel route” and “set a precedent for further development.”

Many of these concerns were shared by some councillors. Anne Jobson (Conservative, St Loye’s) concluded: “One would have thought that until every inch of roof space that could have solar panels put on it, has solar panels put on it, then there is no identifiable need for a greenfield site, which is in conflict with our local plan, to be developed.”

Officers admitted it conflicted with parts of the new local plan, but added: “Very substantial weight is given to the benefits of the scheme in terms of renewable energy generation, and hence it is considered that it does comply with [another policy].”

They concluded: “The benefits of the scheme in terms of renewable energy generation outweigh the visual and landscape harm, and the harm to the Duryard Valley Park, and the proposal is therefore considered to be in conformity with the development plan taken as a whole.”

The committee narrowly agreed – subject to conditions – by a margin of six votes to four.