LOCAL people are being invited to have their say on new planning guidance which helps Mid Devon District Council (MDDC) consider the impact of solar development on Mid Devon’s landscape.

Mid Devon is facing a wide range of challenges arising from climate change.

MDDC says it is important that we reduce harmful emissions from our energy use through cleaner energy production but this should be balanced with the protection of Mid Devon’s unique landscape.

This consultation offers a second opportunity for people to have their say on the council’s new planning guidance document.

The guidance was originally expected to include advice about wind energy as well as solar photo voltaic (PV) development, but the council has removed this part from the local guidance following changes to Government policy.

Councillor Richard Chesterton, cabinet member for planning and economic development, said: "We’ve had a number of solar energy planning applications submitted and there’s a lack of consistent advice on how to assess landscape impacts.

"This new document will provide this much needed advice to enable solar development whilst protecting the special areas of our countryside that we cherish."

The consultation began on February 15 and runs until March 29, 2016.

The draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and other information are available on the council’s website at:

Hard copies of the draft SPD are also available at Council offices and at Mid Devon Libraries during normal opening hours.

Planning officers will be available at Mid Devon District Council, Phoenix House in Tiverton during the consultation at the following times to answer queries on the draft SPD: Wednesday, February 24 – 9am - 12 noon; Tuesday, March 8 – 1pm - 4pm; Thursday, March 17 – 9am -12 noon.

Any comments need to be received in writing by midnight on March 29, 2016 and must include the sender’s name and full postal address.

All responses will be treated as public documents and published on the council’s website.

Comments should be sent by email to: [email protected] , or posted/delivered to: Forward Planning, Mid Devon District Council, Phoenix House, Phoenix Lane, Tiverton EX16 6PP.

To keep the public up-to-date in an efficient manner, the council will rely more heavily on emails in the future, so residents are encouraged to provide an email address when they respond to the consultation.

Alan Quick