A public inquiry into the proposed Botley West Solar Farm began on Tuesday, launching a three-day series of open floor hearings in Oxford. The inquiry forms part of the Planning Inspectorate’s formal examination of the £800 million project, which has stirred both support and opposition since its announcement.
Located across 1,000 hectares (2,471 acres) of Oxfordshire countryside, the scheme would span land north of Woodstock, west of Kidlington, and west of Botley. The development’s vast scale has led it to be classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), meaning the application bypasses local councils and is handled directly by the government.
Background and Submission
Photovolt Development Partners (PVDP), the German-based developer, submitted the application to the Planning Inspectorate in November 2024 after two rounds of public consultation held since 2022. The proposal will now be examined over a six-month period before a recommendation is made to the Secretary of State.
The project aims to generate 840 megawatts (MW) of clean electricity, enough to power hundreds of thousands of homes, according to the developers.
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Environmental and Community Concerns
While the project has been welcomed by advocates of renewable energy for its potential to cut carbon emissions and bolster energy security, critics have voiced strong concerns over the environmental impact on the region’s rural landscape and biodiversity.
Local campaigners and environmental groups are expected to raise these issues during the hearings. Many have argued the farm would industrialise Oxfordshire’s greenbelt and permanently alter its character.
Timeline and Next Steps
If approved, the Botley West Solar Farm could begin providing power to homes by the end of 2026. However, full connection to the National Grid, via a new substation near Farmoor reservoir, is not expected until autumn 2028 according to the Botley West Solar Farm Website.
Project Factsheet
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Project Name: Botley West Solar Farm
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Developer: Photovolt Development Partners (PVDP)
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Estimated Cost: £800 million
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Location: Near Woodstock, Kidlington, and Botley in Oxfordshire
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Size: 1,000 hectares (2,471 acres)
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Output: 840 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy
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Grid Connection Point: New substation near Farmoor reservoir
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Grid Connection Expected: Autumn 2028
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Planning Status: Under examination by the Planning Inspectorate
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Potential Operation Start: End of 2026 (partial supply)
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Public Consultations: Held in 2022 and 2024
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National Significance: Classified as an NSIP (Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project)
The inquiry’s findings will shape the Inspectorate’s recommendation, with a final decision to be made by the Secretary of State later this year.
