Woodstock Town Council has come out in opposition to a 2,471 acre solar farm proposed on the northern edge of town. 

The council resolved to sign its MP Robert Courts' constituents’ petition which he will present to parliament "to show the strength of feeling" against the proposed Botley West Solar Farm.

If approved the facility could span three sites - north of Woodstock, west of Kidlington and west of Botley. 

Mr Courts said the petition will not "automatically stop the proposals", but it will require the Government to respond.

"This matters, because it is the Government that will be deciding on this proposal, and so a clear demonstration of feeling at this stage is essential," he said.

Stop Botley West campaigners say under current plans it could encroach within 100 metres of Blenheim Palace boundary wall and threaten its UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

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Historic sites like Sansom’s Platt in Wootton and Churchill’s grave in Bladon Churchyard would also be overwhelmed, they say.

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Themis Avraamides, of Central Woodstock Residents Association, said: "Solar panels should be on roofs, not fields.

"The people of Oxfordshire need to stand up and protect their environment against this relentless onslaught, at the expense of our beautiful green spaces, before they all disappear unnecessarily and simply for profit."

If approved the solar farm would be built mainly on land owned by Blenheim Estate and Merton College.

A Blenheim spokesperson said: “We are aware of Woodstock Town Council’s decision regarding the proposed development.

"The climate emergency must be a focus for us all today. As a landed Estate we are uniquely positioned to take positive action in protecting future generations.

"We believe a Nationally Significant proposal for solar, led by Photovolt Development Partners, will help to safeguard this area and support global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and deliver more cost-effective renewable energy."

Cllr James Spencer-Churchill, Duke of Marlborough, was not present at the meeting but has made remarks against the proposals and the importance of farming and agriculture being protected. 

The Duke has no formal role in the running of Blenheim and its collection of businesses and has no influence over day-to-day operations and decision-making.

He is a liaison, appointed by Woodstock Town Council, to the Stop Botley West consortium of local groups and organisations. 

A Blenheim spokesperson said: “The Duke performs his role as an elected member of Woodstock Town Council in a personal capacity and we cannot speak on his behalf.”

Developer Photovolt Development Partners (PVDP) said the solar farm would be able to power up to 330,000 homes.

A second round of public consultation on the detail of the proposals is scheduled for autumn.

Following a consultation last year, PVDP said it was "listening to concerns".