Government decision on major £800m Oxfordshire solar farm

The Botley West scheme, set across over 2,000 acres to the west and north of Oxford, has officially been rejected by Margaret Curran, under-secretary of state for energy security and net zero.

She was acting on behalf of Miatta Fahnbulleh, secretary of state for energy security and net zero, with the decision announced today (Tuesday, November 10) in a 118-page letter sent to developers Photovolt.

READ MORE: Aeroplane row as decision on £800m Oxford solar farm nears

The Botley West scheme would have covered 2,471 acres in Oxfordshire, including areas north of Woodstock, west of Kidlington and west of Botley, as well as land on the Blenheim Palace estate.

Proposals indicated it would generate 840 megawatts, or 840 million watts, creating more energy and set over a larger area than any solar farm currently operating in the EU.

CPRE Oxfordshire and Stop Botley West campaigners protest at Dornford Lane (Image: Ed Nix)

It would have had the capacity to power approximately 330,000 homes.

However, the £800m scheme caused some controversy, with the Stop Botley West campaign group arguing against its scale, the loss of productive agricultural land and destruction of rural scenery.

The project was due to be decided on in September however it was delayed to enable the government "to consider further information received from the applicant".

Now, it has been rejected.

Stop Botley West Solar Farm group at Westminster rally (Image: Stop Botley West)

Today's letter from the government cited a number of concerns including around "substantial harm to the green belt" and "harm to a number of designated heritage sites".

In addition aviation safety worries were noted which "present an unacceptable risk to public safety".

The letter states: "Having considered the overall planning balance, and for the reasons set out in this letter, the secretary of state has concluded that the adverse impact of the proposed development would outweigh its benefits."

It adds: "There would be substantial harm to the green belt and harm to a number of designated heritage assets, including assets of the highest significance (the Blenheim Palace World Heritage Site).

London Oxford Airport (Image: Ed Nix)

"In addition, there are significant adverse effects in relation to landscape and visual amenity.

"Further, there would be residual adverse impacts on aviation safety which present an unacceptable risk to public safety, and there are issues with the Applicant’s approach to assessing and restoring Best and Most Versatile land."

The aviation risks are related to nearby London Oxford Airport, which is a major training hub in the country.

A number of local politicians welcomed the decision including councillor Liz Leffman, member for planning and infrastructure at West Oxfordshire District Council.

County councillor Liz Leffman (Image: Oxfordshire County Council)

She said: "We have always recognised the important role renewable energy has to play in tackling climate change and achieving net zero.

"However, we have also maintained that developments of this scale must be planned carefully and must appropriately balance national energy needs with protecting local communities, our countryside, heritage and natural environment."

READ MORE: Oxfordshire solar farm campaigners furious at decision delay

Calum Miller, MP for Bicester and Woodstock whose constituency included the proposed site, said: "This is the right decision for our area, and enormous credit belongs to the local campaigners and councils who worked tirelessly to make their case."

Leader of the Oxfordshire Conservatives Liam Walker said: "I've always said that while we should support renewable energy, covering vast areas of our beautiful countryside and productive farmland with solar panels is simply the wrong approach.

"Rooftops first, not farmland!"

Photovolt may appeal the decision through a judicial review but it must be made within the next six weeks.