The Lowlands Area Planning Sub-Committee of West Oxfordshire Council met on Monday 9 March 2026, approving a large solar farm development near Bampton and a significant residential development in Carterton. The committee also noted reports on applications determined under delegated powers and appeal decisions.

Solar Farm Approved Near Bampton

The sub-committee approved the construction and operation of a ground-mounted solar farm with a battery energy storage system (BESS) on a land parcel at E433108 N204560, Lew, Bampton¹. The development, proposed by Mount Owen Solar Limited, will generate up to 40MW of electricity, enough to power approximately 16,000 homes annually, and will save over 650,000 tonnes of CO2 over its 40-year lifespan.

Despite objections from Bampton and Aston, Cote, Chimney and Shifford Parish Councils regarding visual impact, loss of agricultural land, and flood risk, officers recommended approval. The application was supported by the principle of renewable energy development, aligning with national and local policies such as Policy EH6 of the West Oxfordshire Local Plan (WOLP) 2031². The site predominantly consists of Grade 3b agricultural land, which is not classified as best and most versatile.

Concerns were raised about the impact on the landscape character and visual amenities of the area, with the Landscape and Visual Appraisal (LVA) indicating moderate to minor adverse effects during construction and the first year, reducing to minor adverse in the long term. However, amendments to the scheme, including a reduction in the extent of panels and a setback from Aston Road, were noted to mitigate these impacts.

While there was acknowledgement of less than substantial harm to the setting of the Bampton and Aston Conservation Areas, the public benefits of renewable energy generation, ecological enhancements exceeding statutory requirements, and economic impacts during construction were considered to outweigh these concerns. The application was approved by 8 votes to 1, with 1 abstention, subject to clarification from the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) regarding drainage and flood risk.

Residential Development Approved in Carterton

A residential development of 265 dwellings on land between Upavon Way and Northwood Crescent, Carterton, was approved unanimously. The application, from Taylor Wimpey, includes landscaping, car parking, public open space, and associated works, with vehicular access via Northwood Crescent and a new signalised crossing across Upavon Way to replace the existing underpass.

The site is allocated for housing in the adopted West Oxfordshire Local Plan (WOLP) 2031, under Policy CA1, which supports a net increase of approximately 300 homes. The development will comprise a mix of 1-2 bedroom (39%), 3-bedroom (55%), and 4-bedroom (6%) units. A significant portion of the dwellings will be designated as affordable housing, specifically Service Family Accommodation (SFA) and Single Living Accommodation (SLA), which are considered affordable in line with the NPPF definition. The council will secure that a minimum of 35% of these homes remain affordable in perpetuity if they are no longer required for service personnel.

The development was recommended for approval subject to clarifications regarding the road safety audit, flooding and infiltration, and the completion of legal agreements. The Local Highway Authority initially raised objections regarding accessibility by non-car modes and the safety and convenience of the proposed access, but these were addressed through proposed conditions and Section 106 contributions. Significant financial contributions are also to be secured through a Section 106 legal agreement for various local infrastructure improvements, including education, healthcare, leisure facilities, waste management, libraries, archaeology services, and transport schemes.

The development aligns with the council's housing land supply shortfall, and officers considered that the benefits, including the provision of much-needed housing, affordable homes, public open space, and infrastructure contributions, significantly outweighed any adverse impacts.

Other Business

The sub-committee also received and noted reports on applications determined under delegated powers and appeal decisions.