Torquay’s promised solar farm delays explained

Red tape is holding up a scheme to build a solar farm on the outskirts of Torquay.

Permission for the solar farm at Nightingale Park was signed off more than three years ago, but as yet nothing has been done towards the creation of what will be the bay’s first project of its kind.

The aim of the scheme, which was costed at £3.1million when it was passed by the bay’s planning committee in May 2022, is to create renewable energy for nearby Torbay Hospital.

Torbay Council said at the time that work would begin towards the end of 2022, and scrub was cleared off the site in preparation.

By July 2024 the cost had risen, and the council voted to spend £4million on building the solar farm, aiming to get the money back by selling electricity to the hospital.

A meeting of the cabinet committee agreed to begin negotiations on how much the hospital will be expected to pay for the electricity, at a price which also covers the cost of maintaining and operating the solar farm.

At the time the council’s deputy leader Chris Lewis (Con, Preston) declared: “It’s a good deal for all. We’re not only having a solar farm but we’re also helping to save the world!”

But a year on, the former rubbish tip on which Torquay United’s former owners Gaming International once wanted to build a new football stadium remains undeveloped.

At a recent meeting Cllr Mike Fox (Lib Dem, Barton with Watcombe) asked for an update, saying: “What’s the hold-up?”

“The NHS,” replied Cllr Lewis. “I’m afraid that is the sticking point.

“Trying to get a decision out of the NHS is very difficult. We are still committed to having a solar farm there, but everything is taking a bit longer.”

He said access to the site and the ground had been prepared and the project was ready to procure a contractor.

But the local NHS trust has not yet gone as far as a formal contract despite regular meetings with the council.