A MINI-solar farm is being proposed to supply electricity to an historic public house in an isolated part of Exmoor which has never had mains utilities.

The Poltimore Arms, in Yarde Down, near North Molton, is currently powered by a diesel generator, draws its water from a natural spring, and disposes of waste via a septic tank.

Now, owner Peter Stucley has applied for planning permission to install two rows of 20 freestanding photovoltaic panels on a third-of-an-acre paddock to provide the pub with a sustainable and renewable supply of electricity.

Planning agent Sarah Drayton, of Landsense Professional Ltd, said The Poltimore Arms had been part of Exmoor’s heritage and culture for generations, dating at least to the 1880s, and attracted both local customers and tourists to whom it promoted local amenities and produce.

Mrs Drayton said: “This proposal has been created to ensure a sustainable supply of electricity with longevity to the property aimed at securing the future functioning of the public house.

“Due to the small-scale nature of the development, it is envisaged that people within the locality will not be adversely affected by the proposal.”

Mrs Drayton said the ethos and unique selling point of the pub was that being ‘off-grid’ made it one of the more sustainable establishments on Exmoor.

Replacing the diesel generator with a renewable source of energy would be an enhancement of both the applicant’s and the business’s values.

She said: “It has been the focus of the applicant to install a more secure and sustainable electrical supply to the property for a number of years.

“Proposals such as utilising ground or air source energy supplies have been explored, however they require an existing electrical supply to power the installations before they can begin to generate electricity.

“Therefore, solar panels are the only feasible option to proceed. 

“Bringing a mains connection to the site is unrealistic in terms of both cost and practicalities and undermines the move towards renewable energy.”