Residents urged to provide feedback on Botley West Solar Farm proposals

Residents across West Oxfordshire are being encouraged to provide feedback to the latest public consultation on the proposed Botley West solar farm as the developers consult on detailed plans. 


Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said, “There are a wide range of views on this proposed solar farm across West Oxfordshire which we are listening to and we hope the developers are as well.

 

“We held a productive meeting with parish councils last week to help them submit feedback on behalf of their communities. I would encourage all residents to put their views into this consultation because this is their chance to influence the proposal. 


“As one of the affected planning authorities we will be carefully considering the latest proposals over the coming weeks and we will submit a response. Some of the areas that the Council will be considering will be the landscape impacts of the proposal, any impacts on heritage, and the biodiversity and ecology aspects.


“It is important that as a council we follow proper process to come to an evidence-based, properly informed decision. That way we expect it to carry more weight with the Planning Inspectorate that will decide whether to approve the plans. Once we have fully assessed the evidence we will give our views on the proposal at the appropriate point later in the process.”


The consultation is being run by developers Photovolt Development Partners (PVDP) and is open until Thursday 8 February 2024. 

Residents can find out more about the proposals and submit feedback by visiting the website www.botleywest.co.uk. There will also be a series of information events held across the district which are also promoted on the developers website.


The Botley West Solar Farm is a national level proposal being brought forward by a private developer and ultimately the Planning Inspectorate and Secretary of State will be making a decision on whether it is approved. 


The Council has previously expressed its disappointment that the proposal will bypass the local planning process, limiting input and decision-making at a local level. The steps the council will now take will be to engage further for this and future steps of the consultation, reflect on the adequacy of consultation undertaken by the developer, submit representations about the proposal to the Planning Inspectorate, and prepare a Local Impact Report at the appropriate time.


Contact Information

West Oxfordshire District Council Communications Team

communications@westoxon.gov.uk


More Articles

August 21, 2025
We are building new slip roads at the A40/B4022 Shores Green junction to improve access to Witney, reduce congestion and provide new footpaths and crossings.
August 21, 2025
Residents across West Oxfordshire are being urged to check their voter registration details as this year’s Annual Canvass gets underway.
August 21, 2025
The District Council has been granted an extension of the Coronation Community Orchard Scheme to commemorate the coronation of King Charles III.
August 21, 2025
A huge 'thank you!' to everyone for such strong, positive participation with the draft Oxfordshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
August 21, 2025
The District Council has taken a significant step towards meeting its carbon neutral target by approving air source heat pumps at Windrush Leisure Centre.
August 21, 2025
West Oxfordshire has been named the UK’s top performing rural district for reducing carbon emissions and boosting climate resilience.
August 20, 2025
Oxfordshire County Council has been awarded government funding to help residents on a low-income make their homes more energy efficient.
August 20, 2025
West Oxfordshire District Council (WODC) has undertaken a series of ecological enhancements for both wildlife and visitors at the Woodgreen and Elmfield offices.
August 20, 2025
The innovative CAPZero project led by the Low Carbon Hub has completed it's first year of activities.
August 20, 2025
West Oxfordshire District Council (WODC) Executive held a meeting in Charlbury Community Centre as part of their "Executive on Tour" series.
Show More