Oxfordshire: Cherwell District Council gives solar farm green light

An estimated 47,000 solar panels could soon be introduced to fields in Yarnton after plans for a solar farm capable of powering more than 3,000 homes were approved.

At a meeting of Cherwell District Council’s planning committee, members narrowly approved plans for a solar farm and associated works on 18.25 hectares of land south east of Yarnton and north of Woodstock Road in Yarnton.

The solar farm, which has a temporary permission for 25 years, will incorporate approximately 47,000 solar panels which will be capable of generating about 125.5m/w of energy – equivalent to meeting the energy needs of about 3,125 homes.

Cllr Michael Gibbard, lead member for planning, said: “Although this site lies within the Oxford Green Belt, councillors argued it was a suitable development as the benefits brought by the renewable energy will significantly outweigh any harm to the location. Although the site is bordered by the Oxford Canal and the A44 is situated nearby, the solar farm will not be visually prominent to traffic, walkers or canal boat users because of the dense vegetation.

“The Government’s National Planning Policy Framework actively encourages local authorities to approve applications for renewable energy. In this case, the solar farm is set to provide a significant amount of sustainable energy from a location which is well screened from public view by extensive vegetation.”

The application was submitted by Roc Energy and will incorporate solar panels with a height of 2.37m running in an east-west direction. The site currently comprises two adjacent fields which are used for grazing.

In granting permission for the solar farm, councillors specified work must begin on site within three years of planning approval being received.