CPRE Oxfordshire calls on Government to reject Botley West Solar Farm
16th July 2026
CPRE Oxfordshire has called on the Government to reject the proposed Botley West Solar Farm, warning that the development would cause unacceptable harm to the countryside, rural communities, productive farmland, and the setting of a World Heritage Site.
In our response to the Secretary of State’s consultation on the Development Consent Order process, CPRE Oxfordshire has reiterated that we support renewable energy in principle, but believe that large-scale greenfield developments must not come at the expense of the countryside, our rural communities, or to the economy.
We voiced serious concerns that plans for the solar farm, proposed by PhotoVolt Development Partners (PVDP), have failed to properly consider the impacts of developing a major energy infrastructure project within Oxfordshire’s Green Belt and highlighted the fact that the Applicant’s assessment of alternative sites and environmental impacts does not adequately address the loss of Green Belt, the protection of the setting of Blenheim Palace World Heritage Site, or the impact on agricultural land and rural character.
Marcus Gilleard, Director of CPRE Oxfordshire, said:
“We support the transition to renewable energy, but it must be delivered in a way that respects the countryside, protects our rural communities and safeguards the places that make Oxfordshire special.
“Botley West Solar Farm represents a significant industrial development across a large area of countryside, including Green Belt land that plays a vital role in protecting the setting of Blenheim Palace World Heritage Site and maintaining the character of this nationally important landscape.
“The Applicant’s case fails to demonstrate that these impacts have been properly weighed in the site selection process. We believe the assessment is flawed and that this application should be rejected.”
Pointing out the potential precedent set by approving a major solar farm on Green Belt land, we expressed concern that allowing this development to proceed could open the door to further renewable energy infrastructure proposals in protected landscapes.
We fully support renewable energy schemes where they have minimal visual impact and do not result in significant losses of agricultural land, biodiversity or recreational value, in particular solar generation on existing buildings and suitable previously developed land. Future renewable energy development should follow a clear county-wide strategy, shaped through public consultation, which identifies suitable locations while protecting valued landscapes, biodiversity, heritage and productive farmland.
Renewable energy is essential, but the countryside cannot be treated as an unlimited resource for industrial development. The Government must ensure that the drive for clean energy is balanced with protecting landscapes, heritage and the rural environment.
For these reasons, we are asking the Secretary of State to refuse consent for the Botley West Solar Farm.