Secretary of State to review Botley West Solar Farm recommendations
A final decision on the plans is expected within three months
Proposals for the Botley West Solar Farm have taken a step forward as the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero reviews the recommendations submitted by the Examining Authority.
With the recommendation stage of the process now concluded, a final decision is expected within three months.
During this decision stage, additional input may be requested from West Oxfordshire District Council and other interested parties.
This comes after the council presented evidence that voiced local concerns.
This included the scale of the proposed development and its impact on West Oxfordshire’s landscape and rural character, effects on local heritage and historic villages, and whether the proposed measures go far enough to protect wildlife and nature.
The Council also highlighted the loss of high-quality agricultural land and pressed for more meaningful and proportionate community benefits to reflect the size of the scheme and its long-term presence in the area.
Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said:
“We have been speaking on behalf of our communities throughout this process, making sure their voices were heard through the evidence we presented.
“We attended the hearings, represented the concerns raised locally, and consistently highlighted the issues that matter most to our residents, including the impacts on our landscape, environment and communities, and the importance of meaningful community benefit.
“We now hope that the Inspector’s recommendations, and the Secretary of State’s final decision, properly reflect the points we have stood for on behalf of West Oxfordshire.”
The Botley West Solar Farm is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, placing the responsibility for the final decision in the hands of the Secretary of State.
Planners say it could provide enough electricity for the equivalent of 330,000 homes.
West Oxfordshire District Council has pledged to keep residents updated as new information becomes available.