A PUBLIC meeting to discuss opinions to a controversial large solar farm near Holsworthy is set to take place on Hallowe’en.

Galileo Empower is in the early phases of a planning process where it is bidding to construct a solar farm which would, if approved, represent one of the largest solar farms in the United Kingdom.

The proposals seek permission to create a solar farm spanning 2,700 acres of land with a generation power which would exceed 100 megawatts.

A similarly sized scheme comprising a 3,000 acre site in Lincolnshire, known as Tillbridge Solar was approved in recent weeks, exacerbating local fears over the plans for Beacon Solar.

With the size of the scheme being so vast, the final decision on whether the proposals for the Beacon Solar project will have permission to proceed will be made by the current UK Government, led by a Labour administration as opposed to Torridge District Council.

In advertising material for the proposals, those behind Beacon Solar state: “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.

“As a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) our Beacon Solar will require a Development Consent Order (DCO). Beacon Solar will play a key role in helping the UK meet its net zero and solar deployment targets – with planning led by experienced developer Galileo Empower.”

However, the proposals have been the subject of significant local opposition, with a public meeting set to take place on October 31 organised by the Devon branch of the Campaign For Rural England (CPRE) alongside Stop Beacon Solar.

The two campaign groups state that they do not wish for the project to go ahead, describing it as part of a ‘solar gold rush’ which will have a detrimental effect on the countryside.

The meeting, to be held at Holsworthy Memorial Hall at 11.30am will be led by the Conservative member of parliament for Torridge and Tavistock, Sir Geoffrey Cox.

Announcing the meeting, the Devon CPRE said: “The plan to cover 2,700 acres, more than four square miles of Devon farmland at Holsworthy Beacon with solar panels and batteries. It would be one of the largest solar farms in Europe, if built.

“Come and hear about the proposed development and tell us what you think of it and what we should tell the government who will make the decision on whether this goes ahead.”

Galileo Empower said: "Climate change is accepted as being one of the greatest threats to society in general.

"By combining renewable energy generation with robust habitat management, and species protection, projects like Beacon Solar are part of the solution – tackling climate change while protecting and enhancing local ecosystems.

"We are fully committed to continue working closely with all local stakeholders during this early development stage and beyond."