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Locals Outraged as Solar Project Aims to Ruin Quintessential English View
6 Aug
Summary
- Plans for 97-hectare solar farm in Oxfordshire countryside featured in 'Vicar of Dibley'
- Locals describe potential impact as 'devastating' and 'frightening'
- Concerns that Net Zero push will override objections to protect iconic landscape
In a move that has sparked outrage among locals, plans have been unveiled to construct an industrial-scale solar farm on the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside that featured prominently in the opening credits of the beloved BBC sitcom 'The Vicar of Dibley'. The proposed 97-hectare solar project, which would see large panels mounted nearly 10 feet off the ground, is set to be built on fields near the village of Postcombe.
Residents have described the potential impact of the solar farm as "devastating" and "frightening", fearing it will ruin the "quintessentially English view" that drew in viewers of the 1990s show. The landscape, made up of patchwork fields, farmland, and small villages, is also beloved by thousands of commuters who travel the M40 to London each day.
Despite the area's protected status and local planning policies aimed at preserving the natural beauty, there are concerns that the Labour government's push for Net Zero emissions could see the solar farm plans approved regardless of objections. Locals are now racing to raise awareness and encourage people to voice their opposition before the end-of-month deadline.
"It is a fantastic view. It is one of only 12 such views protected in the country nationally," said local resident Bob Massie. "The solar farm would be just be truly devastating. It's quite frightening, really."
