A NEW solar farm which could power almost 20,000 homes has been proposed for the South Oxfordshire countryside.

A public consultation is set to be held for residents, councillors and other members of the community to give their views on the plan for land near the River Thames at Burcot, east of Abingdon.

The proposal by Public Power Solutions (PPS) – a wholly-owned subsidiary of Swindon Borough Council – is for a subsidy-free solar farm of up to 49.9MW, with a 49.9 MW battery storage system.

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The company has said this means the solar farm would generate enough renewable electricity to supply the equivalent of around 19,000 ‘typical’ homes.

It also estimates the solar farm would save an estimated 13,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.

The company said it hopes the energy could make a substantial contribution to national ‘net zero’ targets after South Oxfordshire Council declared a 'climate emergency' in 2019 and has committed to becoming a 'carbon neutral district' by 2030.

Public Power Solutions director Steve Cains said: “Solar power is now the lowest-cost form of new electricity generation and has a vital role to play in the future transition to a net zero economy.

“The site at Burcot Farm is well-suited for a solar development as the land is flat and already well screened on several sides by existing mature woodland, which will be supplemented by new planting where necessary.

“The land is currently used for arable farming; by taking it out of intensive agriculture and allowing the grassland to revert back to nature, we are anticipating a substantial biodiversity gain of around 80 per cent.

“It will also be able to stay in agricultural use with sheep grazing.

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“We will also be offering a community benefit fund for the lifetime of the development.”

Due to current pandemic restrictions, PPS will hold the consultation online, using Microsoft Teams on Thursday, April 1, at 7pm.

The event will give people the chance to see the full proposal, ask the company questions and provide feedback, which PPS says it will take into account before submitting its planning application to South Oxfordshire Council.

More than 2,000 invitation to join the event have been sent to people who live near the site. The consultation will be recorded for people to watch after and those without access to the internet are invited to contact PPS directly to receive the information by post.

The company said it also welcomed questions and comments in advance of the consultation.

Those interested in attending the event will need to register in advance, via the following link on the PPS website: www.publicpowersolutions.co.uk/power/projects/burcotfarm