AN appeal over refused plans for a controversial solar farm in North Oxfordshire has been thrown out.
Novus Solar Developments Ltd has lost its appeal over its plan for 7.5 hectare site between Shutford and Epwell, west of Banbury. Cherwell District Council’s planning committee threw out the plan last December as it would be “unduly prominent”.
It said the plan “will cause harm to the character and appearance and visual amenity of the countryside”.
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A total of 69 letters opposed the plan, raising concerns including glare, noise and impact on appearance.
The panels would have gone on Long Hill in two sections in a designated “area of high landscape value”.
The applicant argued national policy supports such schemes and would have “minimise adverse impacts on local residents”.
Yet the Planning Inspectorate’s John Woolcock rejected the appeal, which was published on Tuesday.
He said despite its environmental and economic benefits it did not meet Cherwell and national planning policies.
He said the metal structures of the frames and the construction of the panels would be out of keeping with the character of the area.
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