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Vale of White Horse District Council has welcomed the Government’s decision to refuse a major solar farm application.
The Botley West scheme, proposed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), was rejected by the Secretary of State.
Bethia Thomas, leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “We welcome the Secretary of State’s decision this week to refuse the Botley West solar farm application.
“We are clear advocates of renewable power and solar power generation – as shown by our own decarbonisation programme across our leisure centres – but this type of development must work for the local area and be delivered in the right way.
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“We are supportive of national priorities where they are appropriate and with a mind to prioritising our communities first and foremost.”
She said the decision showed that NSIP proposals should not be considered a ‘done deal’ without proper consideration of their local impact.
Ms Thomas said: “I am relieved to see this project has been considered on its merits and that the national planning process is robust.
“The application failed because it has not been thought through properly.
“I am also heartened to note its approval has not been inevitable purely on its Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project status.
“Clearly in this instance, the development was inappropriate and poorly planned – and the decision reflects this.”
She said the outcome should serve as a warning to developers that NSIP status does not guarantee approval.
Ms Thomas said: “This sends a clear message to developers that they can’t just turn up on our doorstep and consider it a done deal if they fall under an NSIP category – without due consideration to the impacts on the community, local heritage, rural character and landscape.”
She also encouraged residents to participate in the planning process for other major schemes.
Ms Thomas said: “I would encourage everyone to engage with the planning process going forwards for all of these national level schemes.
“A great deal of our officer and member time is already focused on doing everything in our power to influence and scrutinise these projects to ensure the core issues are addressed up to and after the decisions are made.
“We want to ensure we secure the best possible outcome for all the communities that are impacted.”
Last month, the council discussed the proposed Cearn solar farm, which would cover approximately 2,800 acres and span areas including Garford, Charney Bassett, West Hanney, Goosey, and Baulking.
Ms Thomas is set to write to the government to outline concerns around the proposed solar farm, which, at approximately 2,800 acres, would be one of the larger solar farm proposals in the UK.
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