Plans to build a 840MW solar site in Oxfordshire, UK have been submitted by Photovolt Development Partners in full to the Planning Inspectorate for review.
The Botley West project, once built, would become the UK’s largest solar farm, generating enough energy to power 330,000 homes, the equivalent of every home in the county.
In 2019, Oxfordshire County Council declared a climate emergency. The county’s grid is also one of the most carbon intensive in the UK.
This development will add significant green energy capacity, creating jobs, boosting biodiversity and opening up grazing space on land that has been intensively farmed.
According to Public First research, 66% of Oxfordshire residents support a solar farm being placed within 3 miles of their home.
The same research found 82% of British people support the need to build more green energy capacity, with renewables proving more popular than all other types of infrastructure.
Photovolt director, Mark Owen-Lloyd, said: “We are pleased formally to complete the submission of our plans for Botley West, which will make a huge contribution towards achieving Net Zero in the UK.
“This project will help equip Britain to mitigate the impact of devastating climate change.
“The process will now enter a new phase, with the Planning Inspectorate adopting an evidence-based approach to their deliberations.
“These proposals follow extensive consultation with the local community and thorough, years-long environmental studies.
“This has resulted in the provision of new walking paths, increasing the distance between panels and residential areas and a commitment to a minimum 70% biodiversity net gain.
“Botley West represents a major investment of £800m, creating skilled jobs and helping power local businesses. Our submission includes community benefits aimed at ensuring those nearest to the project benefit financially.”
The project will see a biodiversity net gain of 70%, with the creation of new hedgerows, opening up of new grazing pasture, protection of ancient woodland and planting of new trees.
The Planning Inspectorate will appoint an examining authority and examine the proposal following procedures outlined in the Planning Act 2008.