A SOLAR park planned for land between Shutford and Epwell, near Banbury, has been refused.

Cherwell District Council’s planning committee rejected the 7.47 hectare plan in the Longhill area.

Some 69 letters opposed the plans, with concerns being raised about its visual impact on the countryside.

Council planning officer Graham Wyatt recommended the scheme be approved, saying impact on views would not be significant, but councillors rejected the scheme.

As reported in the Oxford Mail, several large solar farm schemes have been unveiled across the county, including one at Besselsleigh, near Oxford.