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Policy GESP6: Suitable Areas for Solar PV Development

Proposals for solar photovoltaic (PV) development will be supported where, taking account of the carbon emission benefits of the proposal: 

  1. The proposal lies within the ‘areas identified as suitable for solar PV development’ as shown on the policies map [policies map to be published with the next version of the GESP]
  2. There is no unacceptable landscape and visual impact, including cumulative impact
  3. There is no unacceptable harm to the significance of heritage assets and their settings
  4. There is no likely significant effect or no adverse effect on the integrity of Natura 2000 sites
  5. Provision is made to ensure that the installations are removed when no longer in use and the land is restored to its previous use

5.16 The scale of resource available for solar energy in the Greater Exeter area is vast and largely untapped. Large scale solar PV arrays are likely to provide the best value for money in terms of the carbon saved for the investment required and would provide significant local economic advantages. As such, draft policy GESP6 identifies suitable areas for solar PV in order to support and encourage appropriate solar developments coming forward across the Greater Exeter area, whilst ensuring that adverse impacts are addressed satisfactorily. GESP allocations could also include land for solar PV/thermal arrays within and adjoining strategic mixed use, housing and employment sites.


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