Dec 16, 2024
The government plans to evaluate the 840MW solar project.
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Plans for what is expected to be among the largest solar projects in the UK have been approved for review by the Planning Inspectorate.
The detailed proposals for the 840MW Botley West Solar Farm project in Oxfordshire, which consist of thousands of pages, will now enter the "pre-examination" phase.
This approval also means that the full plans are now accessible to the public.
These plans include comprehensive environmental and biodiversity assessments conducted over several years, detailing how the project will fulfill its commitment to achieve at least a 70% biodiversity net gain.
They also outline specific measures that the developer, Photovolt, will implement to reduce visual impact, provide community benefits, and manage flood risks.
The Planning Inspectorate’s acceptance of the application indicates that the Botley West Solar Farm plans meet the criteria set forth by the Planning Act 2008 for consideration.
In accordance with the Development Consent Order process, Photovolt engaged with local communities, including parish councils, local authorities, landowners, and the public prior to submission, exceeding the required minimum engagement.
Relevant local authorities confirmed this engagement when surveyed by the Planning Inspectorate.
The complete submission reflects constructive input from these stakeholders, leading to significant modifications to the project.
Most importantly, about one-third of the entire site will now be left free of solar panels, with a 25-meter buffer zone surrounding any residences.
Photovolt director Mark Owen-Lloyd stated: "We are thrilled that the Planning Inspectorate has accepted the Botley West Solar Farm for review, moving forward to the pre-examination phase.
"Once constructed, this project will greatly contribute to achieving Net Zero in the UK while supplying the reliable, clean energy that Oxfordshire requires.
"These plans, which are now available for public viewing on the Planning Inspectorate’s Botley West website, are the outcome of years of thorough work to develop a detailed proposal for the construction and implementation of the Botley West Solar Farm.
"They illustrate how we will inject £800 million into Oxfordshire, provide more than a 70% biodiversity net gain, reduce local flood risks, and make a notable contribution to the UK’s clean energy objectives."
This proposed development follows the declaration of climate emergencies by Oxfordshire County Council and all five district councils in 2019/20.
Oxfordshire has one of the most carbon-intensive electrical grids in the UK, and this project signifies a considerable shift towards greener energy production in the county.
The Planning Inspectorate will now evaluate the proposal based on evidence, with further submissions from interested parties expected later in the process.
The detailed proposals for the 840MW Botley West Solar Farm project in Oxfordshire, which consist of thousands of pages, will now enter the "pre-examination" phase.
This approval also means that the full plans are now accessible to the public.
These plans include comprehensive environmental and biodiversity assessments conducted over several years, detailing how the project will fulfill its commitment to achieve at least a 70% biodiversity net gain.
They also outline specific measures that the developer, Photovolt, will implement to reduce visual impact, provide community benefits, and manage flood risks.
The Planning Inspectorate’s acceptance of the application indicates that the Botley West Solar Farm plans meet the criteria set forth by the Planning Act 2008 for consideration.
In accordance with the Development Consent Order process, Photovolt engaged with local communities, including parish councils, local authorities, landowners, and the public prior to submission, exceeding the required minimum engagement.
Relevant local authorities confirmed this engagement when surveyed by the Planning Inspectorate.
The complete submission reflects constructive input from these stakeholders, leading to significant modifications to the project.
Most importantly, about one-third of the entire site will now be left free of solar panels, with a 25-meter buffer zone surrounding any residences.
Photovolt director Mark Owen-Lloyd stated: "We are thrilled that the Planning Inspectorate has accepted the Botley West Solar Farm for review, moving forward to the pre-examination phase.
"Once constructed, this project will greatly contribute to achieving Net Zero in the UK while supplying the reliable, clean energy that Oxfordshire requires.
"These plans, which are now available for public viewing on the Planning Inspectorate’s Botley West website, are the outcome of years of thorough work to develop a detailed proposal for the construction and implementation of the Botley West Solar Farm.
"They illustrate how we will inject £800 million into Oxfordshire, provide more than a 70% biodiversity net gain, reduce local flood risks, and make a notable contribution to the UK’s clean energy objectives."
This proposed development follows the declaration of climate emergencies by Oxfordshire County Council and all five district councils in 2019/20.
Oxfordshire has one of the most carbon-intensive electrical grids in the UK, and this project signifies a considerable shift towards greener energy production in the county.
The Planning Inspectorate will now evaluate the proposal based on evidence, with further submissions from interested parties expected later in the process.