West Oxfordshire District Council to consider its final response to the Botley West Solar Farm proposal

In this stage, as part of the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) process, the Council is giving its view on the proposed solar farm in a document called the ‘Local Impact Report’ and setting out its views on the proposed development in a Written representation.  

The Committee will be considering the report which covers a range of topics, including the impact on heritage and landscape, ecology and nature conservation, flood risk, ground conditions, minerals and waste, traffic and transport, public rights of way, noise and vibration, climate change, socioeconomic impacts, human health, agricultural land use, air quality and aviation impacts. The agreed response will be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate as part of the examination process.  

The response reiterates the Council’s earlier representation that the Council does not support the proposal as it stands as, it has significant shortcomings that have not been addressed. It will also say the developer has not listened sufficiently to a range of concerns highlighted by the council and local communities. 

Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said:

“We have been clear from the inception of this proposal that the Council must follow this NSIP application process precisely and correctly and we will therefore provide a well-considered, evidence-based response. By taking this approach, we have made a properly informed and impactful submission based on evidence that will carry more weight.  

“Unfortunately, the developers have proceeded to examination without taking the concerns put forward by this council and local communities into account. 

“The committee will be considering a representation from this council that states we do not support the plans as they are submitted. I would expect the Examining Authority to give serious weight to our submission as agreed by the Development Control Committee, and therefore, this Council.  

“We will also continue to represent our communities at the hearings with the Planning Inspector over the coming weeks and months. I will personally, as Leader of the Council, make a request to speak at the examination.” 

The Development Control Committee meeting will take place on 2 June at 2pm in the Committee Rooms in the Council’s Woodgreen Office. The cross-party committee will consider a draft report on behalf of the Council that follows the process set out by the Planning Inspectorate.  

Interested parties who contact the Council beforehand may get the opportunity to address the Committee. The meeting will also be live streamed on the Council website. 

The Council has submitted consultation responses to earlier proposals highlighting a range of concerns, including risks to the environment, the impact on communities and the low level of community benefit initially proposed by the developer. 

The Council has also previously expressed its disappointment that the proposal will bypass the local planning process, limiting input and decision making at a local level. 

The ultimate decision on approval for the solar farm sits with Secretary for State after the Planning Inspectorate provide a view on if they feel it meets the national criteria. The initial Planning Inspectorate hearings on the proposal started on 13 May and were attended by representatives from West Oxfordshire District Council. Full information on the process is available on the government website.