Council to discuss response to Botley West Solar Farm. Impacts on landscape, heritage, and local environment.
This solar farm would be huge. Think about 3,459 acres. It would be near Botley, Kidlington, and Woodstock. Blenheim mostly owns the land. Big solar farms need national approval.
UK rules say anything over 50 MW is nationally important. The council gives its view. The council must say what it thinks. They look at key issues. It affects the landscape and local areas. They look at nature too.
The committee talks all about it. Concerns include the land and heritage. They also mention the environment. Local folks are part of the plan. The council’s view goes to inspectors. The inspectors then review the application.
Andy Graham gave his statement. He leads the council. Andy said they must follow the right steps. This helps them give a strong view. He wants inspectors to listen to their feedback.
Everyone on the committee will check the plan. Their process follows rules set by inspectors. People can speak at the meeting. You can find details on the council website. The meeting is live online there too. People can also send views to the inspector.
Later, the council will give a local report. This report has details on local effects. It is the next step in the review. The council already shared worries. They mentioned risks to nature. The effects on towns are a concern.
They also worry benefit is low. The council is sad this bypasses local plans. Local say and decision power declines. That’s the gist of the situation.