Devon CPRE

Devon CPRE workshop to steer town and parish councils through planning process

Devon CPRE, the only charity that protects Devon’s countryside from inappropriate development, is holding a special workshop in Tiverton on 20 May to help town and parish councils achieve the best planning outcomes for their local community.

Experienced independent Planning Consultant Jo Widdecombe will guide local councillors through the complexities of the planning process and...

Devon CPRE Planning Workshop for town and parish councils

Devon CPRE, the only charity that protects Devon’s countryside from inappropriate development, is holding a special workshop in Tiverton on 20 May to help town and parish councils achieve the best planning outcomes for their local community.

Experienced independent Planning Consultant Jo Widdecombe will guide local councillors through the complexities of the planning process and explain what it’s important for them to know when they respond to applications.

Admission is free for member organisations (up to three people can attend from each member council) and for non-...

Solar panels on a new home in Devon

Urge your MP to back the ‘Sunshine Bill’ for rooftop solar on new homes, says Devon CPRE

Local environmental charity Devon CPRE is putting its weight behind a Private Member’s Bill to make it compulsory for developers to put solar panels on the rooftops of new build housing, and it’s urging people in the South West to take action to ensure their MP helps get the legislation through Parliament.

MP Max Wilkinson has instigated the New Homes (Solar Generation) Bill, nicknamed...

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...

Devon CPRE backs Marsh Green residents as they fight solar farm developer at a public inquiry

The small rural community of Marsh Green in East Devon will be taking on the might of a solar farm developer, with the backing of the Devon branch of the countryside charity CPRE, at a public inquiry scheduled to start on Tuesday 12 September.

East Devon’s planning committee refused permission last December for a 30MW solar farm of 60,000 solar panels on 218 acres of land across 27...

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...

Angelie Pickett's painting of Ugbourough was last year's winner in the older age group

Devon’s countryside charity begins its 2023 search for young artists

The Devon branch of the countryside charity CPRE is looking for budding young artists who can capture the beauty and variety of the county’s natural landscapes, from its wild moorlands to its sheltered river valleys.

Young artists aged 18 and under have until the end of September to submit a painting, drawing, textile, collage, or mixed media artwork of a Devon view to win the coveted...

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...

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