Botley West solar farm decision ‘indefensible’ says local MP

MPs Calum Miller and Layla Moran have been excluded from the post-examination process regarding the Botley West Solar Farm, the UK’s largest proposed solar development.

Calum Miller, MP for Bicester and Woodstock, has written to the Minister of State for Energy, Michael Shanks, calling for his involvement in the decision-making process to be reinstated.

He said: “This is the largest solar development ever proposed in this country. The decision was delayed for a reason.

“Ministers and officials clearly had concerns serious enough to extend a statutory timetable and seek further information. That is the right call.

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“What is not right is the process they have chosen. This needs to be open, inclusive and transparent. The Department is consulting the applicant and a hand-picked list of parties.

“The MPs whose constituents will live alongside this scheme are not on it. That is indefensible.

“The Minister previously agreed to meet me and yet that meeting was cancelled on the basis that the application was live. The Department’s own decision to seek further information has removed that objection.

“I have asked for the meeting to be reinstated so the views of my constituents can be heard before this decision is taken.”

Layla Moran (Image: Contributed)

Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran has also written to the minister, raising concerns about unanswered questions and the level of transparency.

She said: “Basic questions remain unanswered at this very late stage, including how this project will be connected to the grid.

“There are significant elements of this proposal that clearly the Secretary of State felt were of sufficient concern to delay a decision on this proposal, but we have no idea what happens next.

“I am concerned that residents’ voices are being excluded from this process, and that a final decision will be made under a veil of secrecy, with no scrutiny and a complete lack of accountability.”

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The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) extended the decision timetable in March, saying in a written statement that further information would be requested from the applicant.

On April 14, DESNZ wrote to Photovolt Development Partners (PVDP) and a select group of interested parties requesting additional information, but did not include Mr Miller or Ms Moran.

Botley West would be the largest solar development in the UK and one of the largest in Europe, covering almost 2,500 acres.

The MPs previously raised concerns about engagement, transparency, ownership and community benefit in a joint letter to the Secretary of State on February 12.