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Solar farm could 'spoil' famous TV show view in Oxfordshire


Solar farm could 'spoil' famous TV show view in Oxfordshire

The application by solar energy company Solar2 spans across almost 100 hectares of land near Postcombe and Lewknor villages.

Specifically, it will be on two areas, either side of the M40, where the road cuts through the Chiltern Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Taken from the top of Beacon Hill (Image: Peter Garforth-Bles) Submitted to South Oxfordshire District Council, the planning application states the site is predominantly used for "arable agricultural purposes with small sections of woodland".

However, opponents have pointed out it is a "quintessentially English view" and that it was used by writer Richard Curtis for the opening titles of popular BBC sitcom The Vicar of Dibley.

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Starring Dawn French, the show ran for three series between 1994 and 2000 and followed the exploits of a new female vicar in the fictional Oxfordshire village of Dibley.

Dawn French in the Vicar of Dibley (Image: PA) Robert Massie who has lived in Postcombe for more than10 years wanted to make clear that local objectors are "in favour of cleaner energy for the country".

He said: "It is down to the fact that if you are going to choose somewhere to put a solar farm why on earth would you pick one with such a beautiful vista?

"We need to have these solar farms but there is any number of places that you could put them.

Taken from the top of Bald Hill footpath (Image: Peter Garforth-Bles) "I would be amazed that even the new Labour Government would allow the view to be spoiled."

There have been more than 170 comments on the application so far, the majority of which are against the plans.

John Poole, a local resident and leading objector to the solar farm (Image: Peter Garforth-Bles)

"It is almost unanimous", Mr Massie said, adding: "It is a beautiful view which is why Richard Curtis chose it for the Vicar of Dibley."

The application states the applicant has "engaged with local communities throughout the design phases".

Among the changes implemented because of community engagement are the increase of distance between the panels and Postcombe, and the enhancement of a Grade II listed historic funeral path from Lewknor to Postcombe.

The view from the motorway (Image: Peter Garforth-Bles)They also point out the development would have an export capacity of 49.9MW, enough to power between 13,000 and 17,000 homes.

Among those who have officially objected to the scheme is the county archaeologist who said that the "archaeological potential and significance" of the site means that evaluations must take place before a decision.

However, the district's heritage team said that nearby historic assets are "unlikely to be affected by the proposed development".

Solar2 has declined to comment.

The reference number for the application is P25/S1987/FUL and those wishing to comment have until Tuesday, September 9 to submit their views.

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