A community solar farm
The solar farm will be owned by the community, serving the five parishes of Newton & Noss, Holbeton, Yealmpton, Wembury and Brixton.
Expected to begin construction during summer 2019.
The solar farm has been supported throughout by Yealm Community Energy.
Very high level of public support at 92% from the consultation.
A capacity of approx 7.3MWp generating enough electricity to power the equivalent of 2,160 typical homes and saving an estimated 3,100 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually (Solar Trade Association figures), equivalent to around half of the electricity consumed in the five parishes noted above.
Carefully designed with low panel height and screening to ensure minimal visual impact.
Site and location
The site comprises three fields (approx. 11 hectares/27 acres) at Creacombe Farm, which is owned by Gnaton Farms, located between Yealmpton, Holbeton and Battisborough Cross. Please see map below.
It is naturally well screened by tall, mature, hedges and traditional Devon hedgebanks to the south, east and west. A new traditional Devon hedgebank will be reinstated along the northern boundary for additional screening.
The fields are lower-grade land (3b) and currently used for arable crops. The land has been intensively farmed and is currently of low ecological value. It will remain in agricultural use with sheep grazing during the winter, and a range of biodiversity improvements will be implemented.
Proposed site plan - click on the image to view full size
Gnaton Farms
The site is owned by a local landowner with an estate of approximately 1,000 acres (400 ha), encompassing a number of farms. They have farmed the estate for 45 years and during that time have transformed much of the poorer quality land into higher value ecological habitats, thereby increasing the ‘natural capital’ of the estate and local area. More...
Location in the South Devon AONB
A key consideration for selecting the Creacombe site was the need for the solar farm to be located within the community it will serve. The significant long-term economic, social and environmental benefits of the proposal demonstrate the exceptional circumstances and public benefit required to approve development in the AONB. More...
Continuing Agricultural Use
The land will stay in agricultural use. Species-rich grass and wildflowers sown across the site would flourish in spring and summer with sheep grazing among them during the winter. More...
Site Selection and Design
Existing natural screening and topography ensures minimal visual impact. More ...
Wider Context
Creacombe solar farm offers a unique opportunity to directly reduce local energy costs for the community, retaining a strong local economic benefit, while also contributing to local and national carbon-reduction targets. More ...
“For the Eden Project, the availability of relatively cheap and secure renewable energy is crucial to both our day-to-day operations and the future energy and price security young businesses need. I believe Creacombe Solar Farm is a great example of a win/win. It will provide local energy, funds for the community and is a symbol of robust independence. I totally support it as a positive commitment to the rural economy.
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