Braunton Parish includes the well-known destinations of Saunton Sands, Braunton Burrows, Crow Point and Braunton Marsh offering a wide range of outdoor activities to all. This precious coastal landscape is currently under threat from a deeply flawed planning application for a proposed onshore cable route for the White Cross Offshore Windfarm that is a pilot project. Details of the application can be found at North Devon Council Planning portal reference 77576.

The application is due to be heard by North Devon Council Planning Committee on the 7^th May 2025. At this critical point we need to send them a very clear warning about the significant environmental issues that this application raises. This will be done through a letter from our legal team backed up by experts, who are investigating the principal planning material issues that need to be considered at this stage – short and long term impacts of the proposed construction activities on the landscape, its habitats and ecology. 

Our community is in favour of renewable energy but not at the expense of our local landscape and natural habitats, which are recognised by both its national and international designations: UNESCO Biosphere, National Landscape (formerly AONB), Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and World Surfing Reserve. This landscape and its irreplaceable habitats underpin our local economy which is heavily dependent on year round use for outdoor activity by both residents and visitors to the area.

Qualified ecologists have expressed grave concerns about the potential harm that will be done by the construction activity.

The applicant’s own documentation evidences a serious degree of harm to the landscape and ecology. They have minimised this by looking at each aspect separately without considering the interrelationships and the cumulative effects. 

The applicant has consistently refused to provide any detailed mitigation stating that it will be provided post consent. Our legal team has raised concerns that this will be too late.

We are seeking support from both residents and visitors and ask you to draw attention to this fund raising activity with your friends and family who love the area.

Please help us to ensure that all relevant environmental matters are properly examined and addressed before the application is determined.     

Thank you so much for helping us Save Our Sands!