The proposals is to create community owned 5MW solar farm in the parish of Charlbury, West Oxfordshire. Charlbury is within the Cotswold AONB and neighbours Cornbury Park Estate, a grade II* listed park and garden. The best available site was selected and a locally base team of professionals led by Sustainable Charlbury successfully applied for a government WRAP (Waste and Recourse Action Plan) R.C.E.F. (Rural community energy fund) grant to undertake a feasibility study. We were the first successful applicant to be awarded this grant. Following a number of public consultations this was developed into a planning application with strong public backing but which proved to be unsuccessful and was near unanimously rejected at committee. Following this rejection we met with the planners and came up with the “Bring Your Brolly Day” to reengage the public, demonstrate visual impact and allow the community to be a integral part of the design process. The day was an overwhelming success with over a hundred participants of all ages (Charlburys population is only circa 3000). The photos of the event radically influenced the design process and allowed the community to decide what was acceptable; the revised scheme was re-submitted, supported by planners and has now been approved at committee (06.07.14).