Major Devon solar energy facility approved
Plans for a solar and green infrastructure facility in Devon that could provide renewable energy for up to 18,500 homes have been approved.
The proposed development, known as Ford Oaks would be situated four miles east of Exeter city centre and close to Exeter Airport.
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Taiyo Power and Storage is behind the scheme, a joint venture between investment firm Kajima and chartered surveyors Low Carbon Alliance, which has been working with local landowners including Devon County Council.
Taiyo has been putting forward proposals for a number of solar and battery storage sites throughout the UK since 2021,, in order to support the UK Government’s commitment to achieve net zero carbon by 2050.
East Devon District Council’s planning officers agreed that the overall benefits of the development “would substantially outweigh the harms it would cause.”
Simon Crowe, director at Taiyo, said: “We are delighted to receive planning approval, and we extend our gratitude to the planning inspector for understanding our case. This approval will deliver a key solar and green infrastructure facility that will further the climate goals of East Devon and the wider region.
“Ford Oaks provides a vital opportunity to address East Devon’s sustainability and energy needs by providing a renewable energy source for 18,500 homes. It will also significantly enhance the local area’s biodiversity and nature by delivering a remarkable 121% biodiversity net gain.
“Working together with East Devon District Council and the local community, we are looking forward to bringing Ford Oaks scheme to life, achieving a key milestone in our commitment to supporting the UK’s net zero goals.”
The new facility will help provide a renewable energy source that will export 30MW of power to local electricity circuits.
Those behind the development said it could reduce CO2 emissions by 7,430 tonnes, which is the same as eliminating 1,600 petrol cars off Devon’s roads for a year.
The development will also see 29 hectares of solar arrays which will be designed to enable agricultural work to continue on the land, flood protection, as well as the creation of new grassland habitats to boost biodiversity.