Residents claim solar farm will ‘obliterate’ landscape

MORE than 200 residents have objected to plans to build a solar farm near Lewknor which they claim would “obliterate” the landscape.

They argue that the development would lead to a loss of wildlife habitats and agricultural land and impact an historic funeral path.

The land, which features in the opening credits of the BBC comedy, The Vicar of Dibley, is near London Road in Postcombe.

Postcombe and Lewknor Solar Farm Limited proposes more than 85 hectares would be covered in rows of solar panels mounted on racks along a north/south axis.

The proposed site is adjacent to the Chilterns National Landscape, formerly known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Residents of Lewknor and its surrounding areas have sent written objections to South Oxfordshire District Council, the planning authority.

Colin Harvey, of Weston Road, Lewknor, said: “I walk every day up into the Chiltern Hills, where I have lived for
41 years. The view across the Vale of Oxford is exceptional and unspoiled. This solar farm, if it goes ahead, would totally obliterate this view, for now and years to come. This area would no longer be an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty but an industrial landscape.”

Raymond May and Rosemarie Holzbrink, of Hill Road, Lewknor, said: “If this solar farm was granted, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty would be lost for ever, and the lives of those who reside in and around Postcombe, Lewknor and South Weston will be changed beyond recognition as it is carved up yet again.

“The parish would be left grappling with the impact of what a large industrial solar farm would have on their everyday lives, their mental, physical, emotional health and wellbeing. We urge the council to reject this preposterous planning application.”

Kayti Foster, also of Hill Road, said: “This proposal would benefit the people of this parish in no way whatsoever. Far from it. In this increasingly uncertain world this very good agricultural land is far too valuable for current and future food production to be used for this short-sighted proposed purpose.” Peter Freeman, of Rectory Court, Lewknor, is worried about an ancient funeral path.

The path, starting in Salt Lane in Postcombe, was historically used to transport coffins to St Margaret’s Church in Lewknor for funerals.

Mr Freeman said: “The ancient funeral path from Postcombe to Lewknor will be surrounded by 21st century infrastructure which, even with a generous and hopefully native species planting plan, will initially be more akin to an industrial view than the current countrywide vista.”

Others commented on the disruption works could cause to residents.

Ally Mahoney, who lives in Pyrton, said: “Expect the construction phase to be considerable, with industrial lighting, vehicles accessing site day and night and major security concerns for local residents.”

She added: “These fields are agriculturally productive and it is a nonsense to suggest that cutting carbon emissions through renewable projects is more important than locally produced and sourced food for the country.”

Zac Pearse, of Hill Road, said the land and hedgerows provide “essential” habitats for many species. Red kites, once on the brink of extinction, have successfully been reintroduced and are now a defining feature of our skies. They are known to nest in the very hedges that this scheme would obliterate.”

The proposals have also been objected to by Lewknor Parish Council, the Chiltern Society and the Chilterns Conservation Board.

However, Jenny Brannan, of Spring Lane in Watlington, wrote in support of the plans.

She said: “Very pleased to have another solar farm. Very important both to reduce fossil fuel use and to increase Britain’s energy self-sufficiency. The aesthetics are a matter of personal taste and I see the survey has found no major concerns regarding bats and great crested newts.”

The developer’s proposed mitigations include placing the infrastructure close to the M40 so it is hidden from Postcombe.

It also proposes a planting scheme to enhance the biodiversity and visual appeal of the site and nearby footpath, and the use of dark green and grey colours on the infrastructure to blend with the landscape.

The district council will make a final decision by October 16.