The Examining Authority overseeing the proposed Botley West Solar Farm has submitted its report and recommendations to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, marking the close of the recommendation stage in the planning process.
The Secretary of State now has up to three months to consider the Inspector’s findings before issuing a final decision on whether the scheme will be approved.
At this stage, the Inspector’s report and recommendations are not made public. West Oxfordshire District Council has confirmed it has not been informed what recommendation has been put forward to Government.
During the next phase — known as the decision stage — the Council and other interested parties may be invited to provide further information or evidence to assist the Secretary of State in reaching a final determination.
Throughout the examination process, West Oxfordshire District Council has participated as a local authority, attending hearings and submitting detailed evidence to the Planning Inspectorate on behalf of local communities.
The Council raised concerns about the scale of the proposed development and its potential impact on the district’s landscape and rural character. It also highlighted possible effects on local heritage assets and historic villages, and questioned whether the proposed mitigation measures go far enough to safeguard wildlife and nature.
In addition, the authority drew attention to the loss of high-quality agricultural land and called for more meaningful and proportionate community benefits to reflect the size of the scheme and its long-term presence in the area.
Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said:
“We have been speaking on behalf of our communities throughout this process, making sure their voices were heard through the evidence we presented.
“We attended the hearings, represented the concerns raised locally, and consistently highlighted the issues that matter most to our residents, including the impacts on our landscape, environment and communities, and the importance of meaningful community benefit.
“We now hope that the Inspector’s recommendations, and the Secretary of State’s final decision, properly reflect the points we have stood for on behalf of West Oxfordshire.”
The Botley West Solar Farm is being considered as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, meaning the final decision rests with the Secretary of State rather than local councils.
Read more: Plans for giant solar farm “misrepresented” by Botley West name says councillor
West Oxfordshire District Council said it will continue to update residents as further information becomes available.
