UK Government Rejects Europe's Largest Proposed Solar Farm
The UK government refused a development consent order for the £800 million Botley West solar farm in Oxfordshire, citing heritage and aviation safety concerns.
The Government of the United Kingdom rejected a development consent order for the Botley West solar farm, marking the first time the country has refused a solar Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project of this scale. The proposed £800 million project in Oxfordshire would have covered approximately 2,471 acres and generated between 840 and 870 megawatts of power for roughly 330,000 homes.
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Miatta Fahnbulleh issued the refusal based on recommendations from the Planning Inspectorate. The decision cited substantial harm to protected Green Belt land and adverse impacts on the Blenheim Palace World Heritage Site. Additionally, the government noted aviation safety concerns raised by Oxford Aviation Services Limited regarding glint, glare, and emergency landing areas at London Oxford Airport. The ruling also highlighted the developer's failure to provide adequate environmental evidence or properly apply the mitigation hierarchy.
Photovolt, the developer behind the scheme, expressed disappointment and is assessing options, including a potential judicial review. Chris Hewett, chief executive of Solar Energy UK, called the decision regrettable, arguing that large-scale developments provide the cheapest power to reduce reliance on gas. Conversely, local MPs Charlie Maynard and Calum Miller welcomed the refusal, stating the developer failed to engage with the community or account for local concerns.
