Our case 

We need to raise funds to fight an appeal lodged by the solar panel company against the Local Planning Authority's decision to refuse Planning permission. It was turned down because its size and form would introduce an alien feature into a rural landscape, and no amount of landscaping could hide it. Also it is contrary to Policy CP1 of the Taunton Deane Core Strategy.

Proposed site

The proposed site is an exposed, sloping field, with views to the Quantock Hills, England’s first ever Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Exmoor National Park, the Brendon Hills and the Blackdown Hills surround the other sides. Set in the Vale of Taunton, this is a stunning part of Somerset.

IN SHORT

• We are NOT against renewable energy, but in our view this particular site is not suitable

We also believe: 

• The application contravenes Government and Taunton Deane policies and solar industry good practice guidelines. It does not even fit in with National Renewable Energy policy.

• There are already 13 existing and fully functioning solar farms within a 5 km radius of this site, and two already in our tiny village!

• It will impact negatively on the enjoyment of people using the 3 footpaths running alongside and through the site, as well as being highly visible from the Quantock Hills AONB, popular with walkers, cyclists, horse riders and tourists

• There will be serious impacts on protected wildlife such as bats, barn owls and badgers, which use this area for foraging and hunting

• This 17 acre site is excellent quality agricultural land that should remain in use for food production

What we're raising and what it is for

We need your help to raise £3,500 to employ an expert legal team to put together our defence for the Planning Inspectorate. 

We MUST put a STOP to the desecration of our beautiful English countryside by this huge industrial installation.

This is your England too!  Your place to walk, your place to enjoy and YOUR PLACE TO PROTECT!! 

So please HELP us by donating what you can and spreading the word. 

About the claimant

We are residents of Ash Priors and the wider community - people who enjoy walking in the beauty and tranquility of the English Countryside. We oppose the building of a 3rd industrial complex within a 1/4 mile radius of our small village that will alter for ever this deeply rural ancient landscape in the foothills of the Quantocks AONB. We all believe in renewable energy but not at the expense of our beautiful land. We feel that solar panels should be placed instead on every new built house, on car parks and industrial buildings.

Fast facts

**What's at stake** We are fighting to stop Planning appeal APP/D3315/W/16/3142598 to create an industrialised element in our beautiful countryside. It is a 17 acre site that cannot be screened or hidden from views far and wide including the Quantock Hills AONB. We must fight to preserve our countryside, not only for food production but also for everyone's enjoyment. **Next steps** Our solicitors are putting together a defence for the Government Inspectorate in preparation of a hearing **Our legal team** Lisa Foster and team at Richard Buxton Environmental and Public Law