The developer behind an 840MW solar project in the UK will attend a series of public hearings this week as part of the examination stage of the Government’s Development Consent Order process.
Photovolt Development Partners (PVDP) is proposing to build the Botley West Solar Farm project in Oxfordshire.
The examination of the project by the Planning Inspectorate (PINS), which began in May this year, follows consultation with the local community and environmental assessments conducted over a number of years.
This round of public hearings will be held by the Examining Authority (EA), appointed by PINS to assess the application. These hearings provide an opportunity for key issues to be explored in detail, with input from the developer, local authorities, statutory consultees, community representatives, and interested members of the public.
Photovolt Development Partners director Mark Owen-Lloyd said: “These are the final weeks of the examination phase, bringing to an end several years of productive, in-depth consultation with our neighbours in west Oxfordshire, alongside numerous expert bodies. We are confident that the inspectors will find that we have submitted a robust case for why this project is needed, and the clean, reliable, lower-cost energy it will provide.
“The project represents a major investment of £800m in Oxfordshire, creating skilled jobs and helping power local businesses. The project will see a 70% net gain in biodiversity at the site, the construction and repair of foot and cycle paths, and a significant community benefit fund for supporting projects in the communities closest to the site.”
Further project information on the Botley West Solar Farm is available on the Planning Inspectorate portal here.