OVER a hundred people packed Holsworthy Memorial Hall to hear concerns over proposals for a large-scale solar farm on agricultural land surrounding the town.

Leading the meeting alongside the Devon branch of the CPRE was Sir Geoffrey Cox KC, the member of parliament for Torridge and Tavistock.

Sir Geoffrey pledged that he would do all he could to see that it was rejected by the government including forming a panel of legal experts to assist him in his bid to stop what he describes as an ‘alien intrusion on Devon lands’.

Cllr Nigel Kenneally, the Torridge District Council member for Milton and Tamarside said: “This is an horrific and ill thought out scheme that will take 2,700 acres of good food producing land of the table at a time when national food security is more important than ever.”

Cllr Jon Hutchings, the mayor of Holsworthy added: "I have concerns over the proposals for the vast solar farm known as Beacon Solar.

"My concern primarily relates to the amount of agricultural land that would be lost and the jobs that would be lost in the process.

"I understand the concerns of residents relating to the proposals and it was interesting to hear those views expressed in a well attended public forum.

"I was pleased that Sir Geoffrey was able to attend the event and I welcome his efforts to ensure local voices are represented throughout the process which may or may not lead to the permission being granted."

Galileo Empower, the developer behind the plans states on its website: “With a generating capacity of more than 100 megawatts (MW), Beacon Solar will deliver homegrown renewable electricity to thousands of UK homes – reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.

“This is just one of the many positive ways Beacon Solar can have a significant impact on the lives of the people of Torridge.”