PLANNING permission is being sought to put 200 solar panels on farmland south of Shobrooke.

The ground-mounted solar array Ed Puddicombe wants to install at Wyke Farm would be arranged in four rows across 1,265 square metres.

The panels would be mounted on galvanised steel frames, have a maximum height of around 2.2 metres, and use underground cables measuring 110 metres.

Planning documents say the “fully reversible” array would be close to existing buildings, sit within a natural dip and be screened by boundary vegetation.

No new access routes and no concrete foundations would be required. No noise would be generated. Inverter and ancillary equipment would be housed within an existing shed.

“The application site currently comprises rough, unmanaged grassland with limited ecological diversity,” the documents say.

“The development does not affect woodland, does not involve tree removal, avoids hedgerows and established habitat features [and] the underground cable route runs through managed grassland [and] does not impact trees or RPAs.

“The proposal includes a number of biodiversity enhancements: wildflower seeding beneath and around the arrays, reduced mowing regime, elimination of pesticides and fertilisers, installation of bird boxes, installation of insect habitats (e.g. insect hotels).

“These measures will increase floral diversity, support pollinators and invertebrates, provide additional nesting opportunities [and] there is also potential for low-intensity grazing (e.g. small number of sheep on a rotational basis), further enhancing habitat structure.

“The proposed development represents a well-considered, low-impact scheme that integrates successfully into its rural setting.

“It respects the character of the site, enhances biodiversity [and] supports sustainable energy objectives.

“The application is therefore considered to be acceptable and planning permission is respectfully sought.”

You can see the application on Mid Devon District Council’s website under reference 26/00487/FULL.