Planning Inspectorate Begins Six-Month Examination of £800M 840MW Botley West Solar Farm in Oxfordshire

The Botley West Solar Farm project in Oxfordshire is an £800 million, 840 MW solar energy development that aims to power approximately 330,000 homes, making it the largest solar farm in the UK and potentially Europe. Developed by Photovolt Development Partners, the scheme spans around 1,000 hectares across Botley, Woodstock, and Kidlington, and is undergoing a six-month examination by the UK Planning Inspectorate, including public hearings where both support and opposition are expressed. Proponents emphasize the project's contribution to the UK’s renewable energy targets, local economic benefits including thousands of jobs and business rates, and commitments like a £200,000 annual community fund and a 70% net biodiversity gain. However, the project faces significant opposition from local campaigners and environmental groups concerned about its impact on productive farmland, rural landscape, and biodiversity, with calls to increase the portion of revenue allocated to community benefits from 0.2% to 2%. The project bypasses local councils due to its classification as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project and is aligned with government goals to install 45 GW of solar capacity by 2030 and address Oxfordshire’s climate emergency. Final approval rests with the Energy and Net Zero Secretary after inspectors complete their review.