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- Oxford News By Hana Edition 80
Oxford News By Hana Edition 80
Sun sets on solar?
Mark Skipworth
November 12, 2026
Oxford News by HANA - Edition 80
Oxford Outlook: Sun sets on solar?
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To the surprise of many – myself included – plans for the £800m Botley West solar farm have been rejected by the government.
One of Europe’s largest solar farms would have spread across 2,000 acres of land to the north and west of Oxford. The developers behind the scheme had previously claimed the project could power the equivalent of 330,000 homes; they have called the decision a “big blow” to the area.
I confess I have mixed feelings about the government’s refusal of consent after years of consultations.
Poring over more than 100 pages setting out its decision, the main objections, so far as I could fathom, relate to the potential harmful impact on the Green Belt and aviation safety as well as on the area’s visual and cultural heritage including Blenheim Palace, a World Heritage Site. Hmm.
In these unsettling times of climate-change, foreign military threats and the cost of living crisis, energy and food securities are rightly top of the political agenda.
So no one wants to see rural fields unnecessarily taken out of food production. But are we doing enough to exploit what we already have? Round our way, for example, fields are being left unproductive with nothing but clover growing on them. Not good.
And the future of solar in Oxfordshire? Plans for a huge solar farm remain in place for three rural sites in the Vale of White Horse, but is a development of this scale really needed? There are more than enough “wasted spaces” in our midst to install thousands of solar panels – on public buildings, supermarkets, warehouses, industrial sites and new housing, not to mention on giant ‘canopies’ suspended above outdoor car parks like those to be found in France or the Netherlands.
What is wanted is clearer direction from the government – to farmers, renewable energy companies, local councils, the public in general. Without such a ‘holistic’ approach, can we ever hope to achieve the right balance toward a cleaner, more resilient future for ourselves, our children and their children?
The Botley West decision, it seems, may have been the correct one – but for all the wrong reasons?
* The annual Happy at Home Index, courtesy of Rightmove, is out, and makes miserable reading for Oxford. The city ranks 130th out of 221 locations in Britain. Banbury, the only other place in Oxfordshire recorded in the rankings, does even worse – 155th, to be precise.
What do the happiest places have in common? Proximity to nature and green spaces feature strongly, while convenient access to shops and amenities is also important. All of which, you might think, Oxford would score highly on. But clearly not.
One clue, perhaps, is the fact that nationally, more than a third of people aged 75 and over gave where they are living a perfect 10 for happiness, compared with 16% of 18-24-year-olds. Perhaps our university city’s ranking suffered at the hands of its cash-strapped youthful population?
For the record: Richmond upon Thames (average asking price for homes £1 million-plus) has been crowned the happiest place to live in Britain, reclaiming the top spot after winning in 2023. On average, residents in the South West of England are said to be the happiest; those in Greater London least happy overall, despite Richmond taking the top spot. At 221st, Barking and Dagenham in East London is least happy of anywhere in Britain. In our capital city, the gulf between the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ could not be starker.
Mark Skipworth | Oxford Editor
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Databox
In the week of the Booker Prize, we take a look at Oxford’s strong record of literary prize winners since 1945.
• There have been three notable Oxford-connected winners of the Nobel Prize in Literature: T.S Eliot (Merton College); William Golding (Brasenose) and V.S. Naipaul (University).
• At least six Booker Prize winners: Penelope Fitzgerald (Somerville); Iris Murdoch (Somerville); Julian Barnes (Magdalen); Alan Hollinghurst (Magdalen); Aravind Adiga (Magdalen) and V.S Naipaul.
• In 1996, Philip Pullman (Exeter) was awarded the prestigious Carnegie Medal for children’s literature.
There are certain to be many Oxford winners of other literary prizes, but that’s more than enough to be going on with!
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in and around Oxford…
Top Stories From Oxford This Week
Botley West solar farm refused planning permission BBC News - November 10, 2026 The UK government has rejected the £800 million Botley West solar farm project in Oxfordshire, citing significant concerns over greenbelt land, heritage assets and aviation safety, a decision praised by local campaigners advocating for alternative solar solutions. This outcome emphasises the critical need for developers to engage with communities and consider local impacts in the pursuit of renewable energy initiatives. |
Government solar farm rejection 'big blow' to Oxfordshire, say developers BBC News - November 11, 2026 The UK government's recent rejection of the £800 million Botley West solar farm project, which aimed to power 330,000 homes and support climate objectives, has been met with disappointment by developers Photovolt Development Partners after concerns over greenbelt land and heritage impacts. Despite some local support, the decision underscores ongoing challenges in balancing renewable energy initiatives with environmental protections. |
Jeremy Clarkson to cover brewery with ‘ugly’ solar panels
Jeremy Clarkson is installing solar panels at his brewery to promote sustainability and set an example for eco-friendly business practices, aiming to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. This initiative underscores the importance of leadership in the transition to greener energy sources and encourages other professionals and businesses to adopt similar renewable practices in industry and agriculture.
Well-known Oxford restaurateur and sister 'murdered mum with morphine', court hears
BBC News - November 11, 2026
Pamela Mogford, a 100-year-old woman who allegedly suffered severe pain prior to her death, was reportedly murdered by her children, Jeremy Mogford, who co-founded Browns Brasseries, and Sarah Pickering, who claim they administered Oramorph to ease her distress under medical guidance. The case, which includes troubling text messages and testimonies about her declining condition, raises significant ethical questions surrounding end-of-life care and the complexities of familial responsibilities in such circumstances.
RAF Fairford organiser ‘directed terror attacks on FaceTime’, allege U.S. prosecutors
Mohammad Ali Hassani has been accused of orchestrating nearly 20 plots across the U.S. and Europe to support Iranian-backed groups, raising significant national security and international relations concerns. These allegations underscore the need for vigilance among businesses and government bodies regarding foreign influence operations, prompting a reassessment of strategies and partnerships to counter associated risks.
Police told Russell Brand to leave Jemima Goldsmith's Oxfordshire home in 2014 BBC News - November 11, 2026 In July 2014, Jemima Goldsmith reported a violent incident involving her then-boyfriend Russell Brand to Thames Valley Police, who facilitated his departure from her home in Oxfordshire without making arrests. Following Brand's recent conviction for rape and sexual assault, Goldsmith publicly expressed her support for the women who testified against him, highlighting the severity of their experiences compared to her own. |
Man arrested after rape reported at Oxford recreation ground BBC News - November 10, 2026 A 33-year-old man from Oxford has been arrested in connection with a rape investigation involving a woman in her 20s, following an incident that occurred on Sunday evening. Thames Valley Police are seeking information and footage from the public as they continue their investigation at the Hollow Way recreation ground. |
Oxford museum returns ancestral Naga skulls to India BBC News - November 10, 2026 The University of Oxford has returned the remains of 39 Naga individuals, primarily skulls, in a ceremony attended by representatives from Nagaland, marking a significant step in the decolonisation efforts of the Pitt Rivers Museum. This repatriation not only honours cultural heritage but also reflects a growing trend in international relations focused on addressing historical injustices through collaborative initiatives among governments and cultural institutions. |
Waste cooking oil thieves 'a growing problem' BBC News - November 12, 2026 Thieves are increasingly targeting waste cooking oil from food establishments, as highlighted by recycling firm Quatra, which notes its value in producing biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel. Ryan Harrison, an Oxfordshire fish and chip shop owner, reported repeated thefts, including a recent incident captured on video involving individuals posing as company employees, prompting a police investigation into organised criminal activity. |
Abdul El-Sayed’s Oxford years: PhD, political influences and sporting distinction The Guardian - November 8, 2026 Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, a former Rhodes scholar and medical PhD student, has recently made history as the first Muslim Senator in the US, drawing on his diverse experiences at Oxford and his insights into political representation from his memoir, Healing Politics: A Doctor’s Journey into the Heart of Our Political Epidemic. His journey reflects a deep appreciation for inclusive political systems, as highlighted by his observations on the significance of community representation in UK politics compared to the challenges faced by minority candidates in the US. |
Oxfordshire MPs describe 'postbag' full of mail delay complaints BBC - November 9, 2026 Dame Anneliese Dodds, Labour MP for Oxford East, has reported that over 500 constituents have raised concerns about delays in mail delivery, with only 67.9% of first-class deliveries in Oxfordshire meeting the on-time target. Both she and Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran are frustrated with Royal Mail's response to these issues, emphasising the need for effective solutions to restore customer confidence. |
Oxford’s Florence Pugh stands up for film crew after 'rude behaviour' Oxford Mail - November 11, 2026 Florence Pugh has taken a stand against unacceptable behaviour on film sets, advocating for respect and professionalism among all crew members. In an interview with Elle, she expressed her commitment to fostering a positive working environment, emphasising that she will only collaborate with those who share her high standards of conduct. |
Oxfordshire councillor resigns over group misogyny allegations BBC News - November 10, 2026 The Oxfordshire Alliance, the main opposition group in Oxfordshire County Council, has lost its position following the resignation of Independent Councillor Paul-Austin Sargent, who cited concerns over misogyny and bullying within the group. This development comes after allegations raised by former Liberal Democrat Councillor Dr. Lidia Arciszewska regarding verbal abuse towards female politicians, leading to a reduction in the Alliance's seats to 11, now one behind Labour. |
Oxford Health secures Human Tissue Authority licence for research sample storage Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust - November 10, 2026 On November 5, 2026, the NIHR Clinical Research Facility at Oxford Health Foundation Trust (OHFT) received its Human Tissue Authority (HTA) licence for the BOSS biosample storage service, enabling the facility to store over 23,000 human biological samples for research. This milestone reflects the dedication of the clinical research facility and OHFT research and development teams in establishing governance and quality systems that meet HTA standards. |
Electric aircraft plans could boost Cotswolds economy Cotswold Journal - November 11, 2026 Cotswold District Council members Tristan Wilkinson and Mike McKeown recently visited Vertical Aerospace at Cotswold Airport to discuss the development of their innovative electric aircraft, Valo, which merges the vertical take-off capabilities of helicopters with traditional planes' efficiency. Joined by MP Roz Savage, they explored the company's plans for introducing electric aviation to commercial markets by the end of the decade, alongside their efforts towards type certification. |
Sport
Oxford Outlook: The Hoops crash out of the cup, but with heads held high
Oxford City 2 v 4 Leicester City (FA Cup First Round, 6/11/26)
City gave The Foxes a real scare in the cup last Friday night. It was National League North versus League One – some 64 places separate the two clubs. But Leicester had to fight hard for their place in the second round.
The Hoops scored twice and The Foxes needed an 82nd minute fourth goal to secure the victory.
Oxford United 0 v 1 Stevenage (FA Cup, First Round)
The U’s are focused on promotion from League One, because they didn’t give a fig, evidently, in this cup match against The Boro.
The only upside is that the defeat clears up United’s fixture list.
Oxford United 4 v 0 Cheltenham (EFL Trophy, 10/11/26)
League One and League Two teams probably view the EFL Trophy as a pain, cluttering up an already hectic schedule. Sure, it provides match time for younger players and those recovering from injury. But The U’s are desperate for promotion back to the Championship.
On the upside, the EFL Trophy offers teams from the lower reaches of the English football pyramid the chance to play against the bigger boys.
Oxford United thumped League Two Cheltenham 4-0 in the Trophy on Tuesday. But one suspects that they would have swapped that resounding result with a win against Stevenage in the FA Cup First Round.
The Sports Desk
Oxford United boss Aaron Ramsey nominated for League One manager award Yahoo News UK - November 11, 2026 Aaron Ramsey, head coach of Oxford United, has been nominated for the Sky Bet League One Manager of the Month award after leading the team to an impressive 12 points from six unbeaten matches in October. Under his guidance, the squad has embraced a new football philosophy and surged to third place in the league, despite facing challenges such as a transfer embargo following relegation. |
Property news
ARC Oxford launches Ascent development alongside first occupier UK Property Forums - November 11, 2026 ARC Oxford has launched Ascent, a 105,000 SQF lab and office development, with Wiley as the inaugural tenant, occupying one-third of the space. The facility aims to foster innovation, accommodate over 500 professionals and enhance the local economy while emphasising sustainability. |
King Charles III-backed architect is behind new Oxford square Yahoo News UK - November 9, 2026 The Clarendon Square redevelopment in Oxford, designed by renowned architect Quinlan Terry, aims to create a vibrant public square with traditional 200-year-old architectural elements, enhancing pedestrian connectivity and revitalising the area with shops, restaurants and offices while prioritising sustainability and minimal disruption. This initiative seeks to foster social interaction and cultural activities, transforming a historically underperforming section of the city into a dynamic hub. |
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What’s on in and around Oxford?
What to expect from Oxford's Christmas Light Festival this weekend Yahoo News UK - November 11, 2026 Oxford City Council is hosting a vibrant three-day Christmas festival from November 12 to 15, featuring events such as the "Fantastic Fiction" themed Rose Hill parade, a festive Victoria Christmas Market and various family-friendly activities including free community meals and creative workshops. Highlights include the Cutteslowe Light Trail and performances by local talents, ensuring a festive atmosphere across the city while the Oxford Christmas Light Bus illuminates its twinned cities. |
Oxford named among UK's best cities for a festive staycation Oxford Mail - November 11, 2026 Oxford has secured the eighth position in Joules' winter getaway analysis, scoring 4.63 out of 10, thanks to its appealing hotel prices, vibrant dining scene and significant interest in Christmas events. With an average December temperature of 5°C, the city boasts a rich array of attractions, restaurants and nightlife options, making it a compelling destination for winter travellers. |
James Blunt adds extra Oxford show after high ticket demand This is Oxfordshire - November 11, 2026 James Blunt will perform a special matinee show at O2 Academy Oxford on December 1, alongside an evening concert, to celebrate the release of his new album, Airplane Mode. This exclusive acoustic event, featuring songs from the album and Blunt's greatest hits, is designed to accommodate high demand from fans eager for an intimate launch experience. |
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