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Have we found Alfred’s remains?
Consultation period underway for site north of Crab Hill development A PUBLIC exhibition for a solar park in Grove went on display on Tuesday, ahead of a potential planning application being submitted to Vale of White Horse District Council. Renewable energy developers Aton Energy are looking at building the site at Elms Farm, approximately 0.6km east of Grove and north of the site for the new Crab Hill Estate. It would be in place for 25 years, before being dismantled and the land expected to revert back to agricultural use. But the plans have so far received a mixed response, as residents debate the merits of renewable energy over other issues including traffic and the
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By Adam Flinn adam@taylornewspapers.co.uk
look of the site. Cllr Zoe Patrick, who represents Wantage and Grove at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “My initial concern is the use of Grove Park Drive as an access for construction traffic. “Also, what will happen to the land at the end of 25 years – more housing? It adjoins the Crab Hill development.” Frank Parnell, leader of Grove Parish Council, added: “It seems like a good idea, as it’s renewable energy. I presume they can justify the cost of putting it in. “I suppose the concerns we have is ‘what is it going to be like when it’s fi nished?’, and ‘what’s it going to be like when it’s constructed?’ “The planners indicated there
wouldn’t be any real concerns, but they would bring up some management plans during the construction phase. “They said they hoped to get a planning application in towards the end of February. At that point there will be a lot more detail.” Around 30 people attended the exhibition on Tuesday, and solar park planners The Landmark Practice said that comments left during the evening were largely in favour of the proposed development. Representatives from Aton Energy have also attended a meeting of Grove Parish Council, with members of Ardington and Lockinge Parish Council. An online consultation has also been launched for residents of the area to leave feedback. To send comments, email consultation@thelandmarkpractice. com.
PART of a pelvic bone, believed to be from Wantageborn King Alfred or his eldest son Edward the Elder, was discovered by the University of Winchester and Hyde900 on Friday. The fi nd was announced at a press conference, where they
presented the results of skeletal and radiocarbon dating tests and highlighted supporting historical evidence. Dr Nick Thorpe, head of the department of archaeology at the University of Winchester, said: “We are extremely excited to have been able to
plausibly link this human bone to one of these two crucial figures in English history.” The two groups are now considering the next step in the process of fi nding further remains of King Alfred and the Wessex royal family.
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Saturday 25th January | 10am – 4pm
South Street, Letcombe Regis, Oxfordshire OX12 9RG
01235 313087 www.richmond-villages.com/ letcombe