Trade association Solar Energy UK is disappointed and surprised that Botley West, the UK’s largest solar farm to go through the planning process, did not secure Government consent yesterday.
“This is a regrettable decision. We all know the desperate need for cheaper power and to push expensive gas off the grid – and that’s exactly what solar farms deliver. Moreover, economies of scale mean that the largest developments, such as Botley West, supply the cheapest power,” said Chris Hewett, Chief Executive of Solar Energy UK.
“Nevertheless, there are multiple gigawatts of consented capacity waiting in the wings. Next year will no doubt see more solar farms constructed than ever before, helping to lower prices by pushing gas off the grid. This is still a very positive time for the sector,” he added.
The grounds were issues concerning the Green Belt, landscape and heritage assets in the area. The Secretary of State’s decision also references aviation safety – despite solar farms either being planned or in place at Blackpool, Teesside, Bristol, Glasgow, Belfast, Southend, Edinburgh and Newquay airports, plus many more around the world.
The development would have offered increased recreational access, a community benefit fund, grazing, allotments and jobs both on-site and across the supply chain. It would also have delivered extensive areas of new native woodland, wildflower meadows and greenways
More broadly, Botley West would have delivered about 1.5% of the Government’s target of reaching 54-57GW of solar generation capacity by 2030, part of efforts to push expensive gas off the grid and guard us all from further geopolitical shocks.
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