Council raises concerns over 2,800-acre Oxfordshire solar farm

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 06:01 · Archive

Vale of White Horse District Council is raising concerns about the proposed Cearn Solar Farm, which would cover around 2,800 acres across land between Garford, Charney Bassett, West Hanney, Goosey and Baulking. The project is being developed by Cearn Solar Farm Ltd.

Because of its size, the solar farm is classed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project under Government rules. This means the final decision rests with the Secretary of State rather than the district council. The application will be examined by the national Planning Inspectorate, with Vale of White Horse District Council serving only as a statutory consultee.

Council leader Bethia Thomas said: 'We are advocates of renewable power and solar power generation – as shown by our own decarbonisation programme across our leisure centres – but at present there are many questions we still need the answers for on the Cearn Solar Farm.' She raised concerns about the full impacts on farmland and the natural environment, questioned how construction traffic management would work, particularly if a reservoir is being built at the same time, and asked what community benefits would be offered.

How it is being reported

• Concerns grow over 2,800-acre solar farm in OxfordshireVale of White Horse District Council is raising concerns about the Cearn Solar Farm.Oxford Mail · 26 Oct, 05:00
• Concerns grow over 2,800-acre solar farm in OxfordshireVale of White Horse District Council is raising concerns about the Cearn Solar Farm.Oxfordshire Guardian · 26 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Vale of White Horse District Council · Cearn Solar Farm Ltd · Bethia Thomas · Garford · Charney Bassett · West Hanney · Goosey · Baulking

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