Planning inspectors today began their official examination of the 840MW Botley West Solar Farm in Oxfordshire in a key milestone for the project.
Photovolt Development Partners’ large-scale solar project will be capable of powering 330,000 homes, the equivalent of every household in Oxfordshire. This will make it the largest solar farm in the UK.
The developer has committed to a fund worth at least £200,000 per year to support a range of projects across the local community.
The launch of the examination process by the Planning Inspectorate marks a significant milestone as the project progresses through the planning process.
The developer said the project represents an £800 million investment in the Oxfordshire community and will create thousands of skilled jobs in construction, operation and maintenance of the site.
Additionally, the project is anticipated to contribute substantially to the local economy through local business rates and taxes.
Botley West will also make a significant contribution to the Government’s ambition to install 45GW of solar generating capacity by 2030.
Furthermore, it will contribute towards mitigating the climate emergency declared by all of Oxfordshire’s local authorities in 2019, with the county having one of the most carbon intensive power grids in the country.
The official Examination Period, where four PINS inspectors will scrutinise and interrogate every aspect of the project, will last six months.
It begins today with three days of hearings in Oxford, which will include open-floor sessions where interested parties are able to express their views on the project.
Speaking on today’s milestone, Photovolt Development Partners director Mark Owen-Lloyd said “We are confident that the inspectors will find that we have submitted a strong, robust case for why this project is needed.
“Botley West will make a major contribution towards providing the UK with clean, reliable, lower-cost energy.”
Turning to the local impact, Owen-Lloyd went on to say: “Botley West represents a major investment of £800 million in Oxfordshire, creating skilled jobs and helping power local businesses.
“Additionally, the project will see a 70% net gain in biodiversity at the site, the construction and repair of foot and cycle paths and a community benefit fund for supporting projects in the communities closest to the site.”
The process will now be evaluated on its merits by the Planning Inspectorate, adopting an evidence-based approach to their deliberations.
These proposals follow extensive consultation with the local community and thorough environmental assessments conducted over a number of years.