Botley West solar farm

If it goes ahead will be the fourth largest solar farm in the world (the first three are in China and India) and would occupy a total of more than 3,400 acres (more than 2,600 football fields) North and West of Oxford city, more than three quarters of which would be on Oxford’s green belt.  

We have only until December 15th to respond to the first of only two developer-led consultations about this proposal, with a second due in Spring 2023.  The Botley West proposal circumvents all local planning procedures and will go directly to the Government’s Planning Inspectorate for final approval as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP).

Duns Tew is within 6 kms of the solar farm and so is likely to be one of those most affected.

Please download a folder (scanned with TotalAV anti-virus) from this link which contains the consultation brochure from the proposers, two letters about the proposal in a recent issue of The Oxford Times, and some maps of the impact this will have on Oxford. 

The Botley West Solar Farm, to be built on land owned by the Blenheim Estate and Merton College, would be in three sections; one North of Woodstock, between Wootton and Tackley (331 hectares, 818 acres) one, the largest, between Kidlington and Eynsham (983 hectares, 2429 acres) and one just North of Cumnor and West of Botley.(81 hectares, 200 acres).  The three sites would be joined by a cable (above/below ground) and would feed into the national electricity grid via a new sub-station on the southern-most site near Botley (hence the solar farm’s name).

If you would like to express an opinion on this development you can:

a) express your opinion during the developers’ consultation exercise (details are in the developers’ brochure in the downloaded folder).  Please note there are only THREE remaining chances to interact with the developers in this first consultation exercise – one on Wednesday November 30th, 1.30 to 5.30 p.m. in Cumnor Village Hall, OX2 9QF, one on Thursday December 1st, 5.30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Begbroke Village Hall, OX5 1RN (this meeting is advertised on the developers website but is not listed in the brochure), and the other during a Community Webinar on December 5th, 5.30 to 7p.m.  For the latter you must register your attendance in advance at this website

b) write to your Local District and County Councillors (some have already expressed an opinion in an Oxford Mail article here ) and

c)Write to your Local MP, Victoria Prentis or Robert Courts, MP for Witney, who has already expressed his reservations on his website here  In it he asks people (not just constituents) to fill in a simple online form to ensure that I am able to reflect the strength of local feeling in detail.

Layla Moran, MP for Oxford West and Abingdon has also expressed her reservations in an Oxford Mail article here

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

‘WE WILL REMEMBER THEM’

The Parish Council in partnership with the Parochial Church Council have organised a public act of Remembrance for the village on Remembrance Sunday

Church Bell will be tolled, 11am will be chimed, silence will be kept with the rest of the nation, last post and reveille and children from the village will lay a wreath on our behalf.

Following the Act of Remembrance those who wish can follow on into church for the Remembrance Day Service.

PLEASE NOTE: THAMES VALLEY POLICE HAVE GIVEN PERMISSION FOR MAIN STREET TO BE CLOSED OUTSIDE THE CHURCH FROM 10.30 UNTIL AROUND 11.30. it will be possible to go around the triangle near The Ridge House in an emergency.

Any queries please to the Clerk of the Parish Council, Jean Ralfe, clerk.dtpc@gmail.com

Deddington fireworks night – Saturday 5th November

Deddington Primary School teachers and parents invite you to join them for a brilliant night of fireworks on the school field on Saturday 5th November 2022. Access is from Earls Lane and the event starts at 6.00 pm, with blast off scheduled for 7.00 pm. Everyone from the parish and beyond is welcome. 

There will be a licensed bar, BBQ, coffee stand, tuck shop and the famous ‘flashy tat’ stand! (You know you want some light up alien bug eyes!) It’s a lovely community event which raises important and much appreciated money for Deddington Primary School. Funds from last year’s event have helped pay for literacy catch up sessions, study guides and farm visits. 

Last year’s event was enjoyed by a huge and happy crowd of locals and we’re so grateful for your support. So come and join us for a beer and a burger, and ‘ooh and ahh’ at the thrills of Fireworks Night on Saturday 5th November 2022 from 6.00 pm. 

Advance tickets can be purchased (cash only) from the Flower Shop (Single: £5.00, Family: £14.00) or on the gate (Single: £6.00, Family: £16.00). Under 3s go free. For enquiries, please email: deddingtonpta@gmail.com 

See you there!

Anne O’Brien

On behalf of Deddington Primary School PTA

Queen’s Condolence book

Just a reminder that the Village Hall is open between 10:00 and 12:00 on Saturday and Sunday and between 9:00 and 17:00 on Monday and Tuesday for anyone who would like to sign the Queen’s Condolence book. The book will be closed at 17:00 on Tuesday 20th (the day after the Queen’s funeral).

The church is open during the day and although there isn’t a service in Duns Tew, anyone who would like to, can join the special benefice commemorative service marking the death of her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Steeple Barton church, OX25 4QR at 15:00on Sunday 18th September.