Plans to build solar farm in Oxfordshire delayed
A nearby wedding venue had raised fears that a “catastrophic” contamination event could lead to the closure of their business
A decision on plans to build a solar farm in Oxfordshire has been delayed after a nearby wedding venue raised fears that a “catastrophic” contamination event could lead to the closure of their business.
Witney Solar Farm want to build the solar farm with a battery energy storage system on land off Witney Road near Curbridge and Brize Norton.
The application was discussed by West Oxfordshire District Council at its meeting on Monday, August 11.
The scheme had been recommended for approval by the council’s officers.
However, the owners of Caswell House, a wedding venue which lies near the site, objected to the scheme.
Their main reason for objecting is that the battery storage system is close to the spring where the venue gets its drinking water from, and that a fire could lead to contaminated water runoff going into this spring.
Amanda Matthews, co-owner of the venue, told councillors at the meeting there was “potential for immediate and catastrophic impact from flooding and fire water contamination”.
She added that this event would force the business to close, leading to the loss of 27 jobs, more than 20,000 visitors on tours of West Oxfordshire and 230 couples having their weddings cancelled.
They also said the solar farm “will provide enough clean electricity to power the equivalent of about 12,000 homes”.
A total of 10 councillors voted to defer it while three councillors abstained.