WEST Devon borough councillors will visit the proposed site of a solar farm in Highampton, following concerns over its impact on the area.

The application at Willsland is for the development of a solar farm covering seven hectares, to include solar panels, perimeter fences, measuring 3.28 metres high, CCTV and three small substations.

The proposal plans had been changed to limit the impact on a neighbouring property by removing the northernmost field included in the original proposal.

Planning committee councillors last week voiced concerns over the visual impact of the solar farm and the detrimental effect additional construction traffic would have on residential access and the condition of the road.

Borough council officer Anna Henderson-Smith recommended granting the proposal, stating: 'The existing boundaries and tree screening are all proposed to be retained and enhanced where required for both screening and biodiversity enhancement.

'Overall, although it is not disputed that the proposal would be visible from some areas and when viewed would alter the visual appearance of these fields and provide a darker area in the field patchwork when viewed from a distance, it is considered that with suitable additional landscaping and due to the existing screening, topography and location, the scheme would not be unduly visually intrusive or have an over-riding detrimental impact upon the landscape character.

'There have been a number of concerns raised by residents and the parish council regarding access to the site, the ability of the roads and access to withstand the construction vehicles and the possible loss of hedgerows should passing places be introduced.

'These queries have been raised to Devon County Council Highways, however, the county highways officer is content that with the appropriate conditions, the construction traffic can be properly managed and the road maintained and repaired at the developer's expense if necessary.'

Following an in-depth presentation by Miss Henderson-Smith, councillors still wished to see the site in person.

Cllr John Hockridge said: 'In my own mind, this project is an industrial development in a rural area. I think such a development could have quite an impact on a rural area like Highampton, and we could do with seeing the site in person.'

Cllr Bill Cann agreed: 'We ought to go to the area and see what impact this will have on the local people, as it could be quite an issue for local residents.'

The council received 13 initial letters of objection from the public, echoing these thoughts. The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has also objected.

Penny Mills, from the CPRE, said: 'It is interesting that the first solar farm has now opened in Cornwall, on the site of the old Wheel Jane Tin Mine. 

'That is the point. That is an old industrial site, so an industrial scheme such as a solar farm can be well suited to locations such as these. 

'The application at Highampton is on agricultural land in an unspoilt rural location. We do not believe this is an appropriate site, scale or location for such a scheme.'

The proposal will come before the borough council planning committee again in September, following the site visit by councillors.