A government agency has urged the developer of a 1,000-hectare solar farm to provide further justification for the project’s large scale.
Photovolt Development Partners (PVDP) submitted plans in November for the Botley West Solar Farm, which would cover countryside near Botley, Kidlington, and Woodstock.
The Planning Inspectorate has now requested “additional details” to support the size of the proposed solar farm, which has drawn criticism from campaigners.
PVDP has stated that, if approved, the facility would generate 840 MW of renewable energy for the National Grid—enough to power 330,000 homes.
As a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), the solar farm application must be considered by the government, not local councils.
The Planning Inspectorate has accepted the application for examination but now advises PVDP to provide more information.
In a letter to the developers, the agency acknowledged that some justification had been given but said that additional clarification would “benefit all parties.”
The letter requested further details on the UK’s future electricity needs and the role solar farms would play in meeting demand. It also asked for an explanation of how “economically attractive” solar farms are compared to other renewable energy options.
Additionally, the letter highlighted “minor errors and omissions” in the application.
A campaign group opposing the solar farm said the letter echoed local residents’ concerns.
Alex Rogers, chair of the Stop Botley West group, said: “We have consistently questioned the need for such a large solar power station. The Planning Inspectorate’s concerns reflect the problems with the Botley West proposal.”
Mark Owen-Lloyd, who is managing the PVDP project, responded: “[The letter] is standard. It neither shows approval nor disapproval from the Planning Inspectorate. I encourage everyone to register and share their views.”
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