DEVELOPERS have been asking for views on their plan to build a new solar farm in Banbury.

Kronos Solar, a developer of large-scale solar PV farms on green and brownfield sites, have contacted Cherwell District Council to ask what it thinks about developing a power source at two separate locations.

One proposed site could be on land west of the M40 and north of Main Street, Hanwell, while the second site being looked at is on land west of Banbury crematorium, on Hardwick Hill.

Spokesman Alexander Arcache confirmed that the developers were seeking advice from Cherwell District Council about the proposed sites and hoped to provide more detailed plans in the next two months.

There is, as yet, no confirmed details of the project that have been released by Cherwell District Council.

But members of the Oxfordshire branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England have expressed concern about the construction of solar farms in the countryside. Chairman Brian Wood said: “We don’t think there is any need to put solar panels in the countryside.

“Solar panels on a field would be something we would object to. We would prefer the solar panels to be put on top of buildings.”

This application follows news that planning permission has been granted to build a solar farm on land at Rowles Farm, Bletchingdon.

The permission was granted after ROC Energy Ltd won an appeal over a district council veto. The solar farm plan includes onsite equipment rooms and plant, security fencing and landscaping.

Government Inspector Paul Griffiths, who overturned the council planners’ refusal, said the solar farm could meet the energy needs of nearly 2,500 homes.

Meanwhile, plans for a 77-metre high wind turbine at Mollington have been rejected after Cherwell received more than 350 letters objecting to the proposals. They were from local residents, Mollington Parish Council and English Heritage. Most voiced fears that the structure would be an eyesore for the Grade I-registered parkland at nearby Farnborough Hall and the Grade II-listed Obelisk monument.

The application received just two letters of support.