Proposal:
Application Number P24/S1336/FUL. Construction and operation of a solar farm with all associated works, equipment, necessary infrastructure and biodiversity net gains – known as ‘Nuneham Solar Farm’ (Additional Information received 30 August 2024).
Land north-west of Nuneham Courtney situated to the west of the A4074 north of Upper Farm and south of Lower Farm
Our Response:
The Trust are exceptionally disappointed that the applicants have failed to acknowledge the concerns raised by a significant group of consultees with regard to the harmful impacts the proposed solar farm would have on the green setting of both Oxford and the Grade 1 Registered Parks and Gardens as part of their recent submissions of additional information relating to the planning application.. OPT would like to confirm that our earlier comments still stand, and that the Trust strongly objects to the proposed solar farm, on the grounds that: the loss of green belt is inappropriate and contrary to legislation; the proposal poses significant harm to a number of significant heritage assets; the detrimental impact on surrounding landscape and settings is unwarranted.
OPT urge the planning officer to place significant weight on the earlier responses objecting to the application, including those submitted by your Council Heritage Officer, Historic England, SODC Landscape Officer, Oxford Preservation Trust, The Gardens Trust, Oxford Architectural and Historical Society, CPRE and The Georgian Group.
OPT would stress the need for a unified strategy for the management of solar farms to limit small a piecemeal approach corroding the green belt and harming nationally significant heritage assets.