Examining Authority submit recommendations on Botley West Solar Farm to Government
The Examining Authority examining the proposed Botley West Solar Farm have now submitted their report and recommendations to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
This marks the end of the recommendation stage of the process. The Secretary of State now has up to three months to review the Inspector’s findings before making a final decision on whether the scheme will be approved.
The Inspector’s report and recommendations are not made public at this stage, and West Oxfordshire District Council has not been informed of what recommendation has been made to Government.
During the Secretary of State’s review period, known as the decision stage, the Council and other interested parties may be invited to provide further information or evidence to help inform the final decision.
Throughout the examination process, the Council has taken part as a local authority, attending hearings and submitting detailed evidence to the Planning Inspectorate on behalf of local communities.
Concerns raised 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 being considered as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, meaning the final decision rests with the Secretary of State, rather than local councils.
West Oxfordshire District Council will continue to keep residents informed when further updates are made available.