Government refuses consent for Botley West Solar Farm following national planning process
The Secretary of State has today refused development consent for the proposed Botley West Solar Farm following examination by the Planning Inspectorate.
The decision follows several years of consultation and examination through the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) process, during which the Council submitted detailed technical evidence on behalf of local communities and appeared at Planning Inspectorate hearings to present its case.
Throughout the examination, the Council raised significant concerns about the proposal, including its impact on the landscape and rural character of West Oxfordshire, heritage assets, biodiversity, agricultural land, transport, public rights of way and local communities. The Council's formal position remained that the proposal, as submitted, should not be supported because its detrimental impacts outweighed its benefits.
Councillor Liz Leffman, Executive Member for Planning and Infrastructure, said:
"We welcome today's decision by the Secretary of State following the thorough examination of this proposal.
"Throughout this process, the Council has remained committed to providing a robust, evidence-based representation on behalf of our communities. We have consistently sought to ensure that the likely impacts of this proposal on West Oxfordshire were fully understood and properly considered through the national planning process. We are pleased to see that the Secretary of State and Planning Inspectorate have recognised the concerns that were highlighted though our representations.
"We have always recognised the important role renewable energy has to play in tackling climate change and achieving net zero. However, we have also maintained that developments of this scale must be planned carefully and must appropriately balance national energy needs with protecting local communities, our countryside, heritage and natural environment.
"I would like to thank everyone who has worked with us and taken the time to engage with this process over the past three years. The contributions made by residents, parish councils, community organisations and our officers have ensured that local knowledge and concerns have been clearly presented throughout the examination."