countryside charity

Local environmental charity launches Defend Devon campaign

Devon CPRE, the local branch of the countryside charity CPRE, has taken to the road this summer, encouraging people who care about the future of Devon’s countryside to get involved in its latest campaign and become Devon Defenders.

The charity has taken its rallying cry to three agricultural shows in different parts of the county- Dartmoor’s Chagford Show, the Yealmpton Show in the...

Will new homes continue to concrete over the countryside?

Devon CPRE responds to PM's vow not to 'concrete over the countryside' for housing

Devon CPRE, the local branch of the countryside charity, has campaigned for many years for the right type and number of new homes to be built in the right places at prices local people can afford.

Responding to new housebuilding plans announced by PM Rishi Sunak and Housing Secretary Michael Gove, Devon CPRE Director Penny Mills said: “While it’s heartening to hear Mr Sunak promise not...

Devon CPRE’s annual Best Churchyard Competition opens for entry!

The Devon branch of the countryside charity is once again on the lookout for award-worthy churchyards across the county. Since Devon CPRE launched its Best Churchyard Competition six years ago, the charity has come across inspiring stories of communities pulling together to make the most of the green spaces around their churches and chapels.

Last year’s winner, All Saints in Kenton,...

Devon CPRE celebrates Marsh Green solar farm refusal

Devon CPRE, the Devon branch of the countryside charity, is celebrating after councillors in East Devon voted to refuse permission for a large solar farm on agricultural land at Marsh Green, near Exeter, following a two-hour debate just before Christmas.

The 6:4 decision (with one abstention) came as a welcome surprise to opponents of the scheme, including residents in and around Marsh...

A solar panel in a Devon field (photo by Devon CPRE)

Allowed at appeal: Mid Devon solar farm's 100,000 glass panels will not reflect local democracy, says Devon CPRE

The Devon branch of the countryside charity says the victory of a developer, whose proposals for a solar farm facility larger than 70 football pitches have been allowed on appeal, represents yet another blow to local democracy within the planning system.

Mid Devon District Council’s planning committee had originally rejected plans for the solar farm and battery storage facility at...

Unleash potential of rooftop solar to tackle energy crisis, Devon CPRE urges Chancellor

Changes to planning policy could turbocharge the rollout of solar energy and help reduce reliance on gas at little or no cost to the public purse, analysis by CPRE, the national countryside charity has shown. It’s urging the government to target rooftops, car parks and brownfield sites for a rapid expansion of renewables.

The Devon branch of the charity, Devon CPRE, has been fighting...

Aerial view of a large solar installation on Devon farmland (image by Devon CPRE)

Why is government guidance not to develop solar on quality farmland being routinely ignored?

The Devon branch of the countryside charity CPRE is issuing a defiant call to arms - highlighting the blatant inconsistencies in the Planning system that are allowing solar development on thousands of acres of Best and Most Versatile (BMV) land that the Government says should be protected and prioritised for food production.

The small independent charity is ramping up its campaign to...

Devon CPRE trustee & energy spokesperson Dr Phillip Bratby has welcomed the decision

Significant win for Devon CPRE campaign as Mid Devon refuses Langford solar farm proposal

The Devon branch of the countryside charity CPRE is celebrating a significant win for its campaign against massive solar farms on agricultural land after Mid Devon councillors yesterday (22 Sept) ratified a decision to turn down a 150-acre solar farm and battery storage facility at Langford.

Seven members of Mid Devon’s planning committee voted to refuse the controversial application,...

Devon CPRE 'My Outdoors' art competition

Devon CPRE launches competition to find Devon’s Best Young Landscape Artist

Young artists aged 18 and under can now compete for the prestigious title of ‘Devon’s Best Young Landscape Artist’ following a rebrand of Devon CPRE’s traditional painting competition for children.

The local branch of the countryside charity has decided to open up its annual art competition to under 18s, with new categories for older age groups. It’s a chance for Devon’s young people...

Muck on country roads caused by vehicles carrying liquid digestate to ADs  (photo: Devon CPRE)

Massive lagoon and expansion of industrial anaerobic digesters has to stop

Devon CPRE believes the expansion of anaerobic digesters (ADs) has to be curtailed to protect rural communities and the countryside, as fourteen villages and hamlets join forces to protest against development plans for an industrial-scale lagoon near Upton Pyne. This facility will act as a massive storage and distribution centre west of Exeter for liquid digestate, a by-product of ADs....

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