Plans for a giant solar farm set across three sites in the county have been called “alarming” by  heritage organisation.

Yesterday (November 3), the first phase of consultations on Botley West Solar Farm began.

The solar farm will be spread across 1,000 hectares Blenheim Estate land at locations in Oxford, Cherwell and West Oxfordshire.

READ MORE: Oxfordshire councillors optimistic about Botley West Solar Farm

The developer, Photovolt Development Partners (PVDP), claims if the solar infrastructure is built then it could power all the homes in Oxfordshire.

Councillors in areas where the project would be built reacted optimistically, if reserved, about the proposals yesterday.

However, Oxford Preservation Trust has raised concern about the impact of the project on the county’s landscape.

Debbie Dance, director of Oxford Preservation Trust, said: “We must all support efforts for greener energy but the number of sites coming forward on sensitive and highly visible sites is truly alarming.

“Despite opposition, planning  permission was granted for a huge site on the sloping hills of Oxford to the south at Nuneham Courtenay. without time to take a breath, another has now been suggested within historic views from Nuneham Park opposite.

“We have asked the local authorities to come together and make a plan rather than just reacting to whatever comes forward but this has so far fallen on deaf ears.

“We can only hope that as we all hear of more plans coming forward, close to the Thames and the historic tollbridge at Swinford, and another in the western hills of the city at Cumnor Hurst, world renowned dreaming spires and a place where open green public space provides fresh air, that the councils will begin to hear our cries for some leadership here.

“Let's save Oxford's landscape heritage and views and have green solar energy not ruin one for the other.”

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This story was written by Sophie Perry. She joined the team in 2021 as a digital reporter.

You can get in touch with her by emailing: sophie.perry@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @itssophieperry

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