Solar farm developer pressed over visual impact

Government inspectors are examining plans to build Botley West Solar Farm

Inspectors examining plans to build one of the UK's largest solar farms have told the developer it was "very disappointing" to still be waiting for information on the visual impact on neighbouring properties.

A final public hearing has concluded into the Botley West development, which would cover about 1,000 hectares (2,471 acres) of Oxfordshire countryside.

Photovolt Development Partners (PVDP) told the hearing it had carried out a more detailed assessment, which it would submit before a November deadline.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband is expected to make a final decision in 2026.

At the three-day hearing, held at The King's Centre in Osney Mead in Oxford, inspectors asked how many properties would be in "very close proximity" - within 164ft and 820ft (50m and 250m) - of the development but PVDP were unable to provide the figures.

Inspectors said they had asked for the information much earlier in the process, which began in February.

Lead inspector David Wallis described visiting properties at Barrow Court in Cassington, which he said would look directly on to the solar farm.

Mr Wallis said he was "struggling" to understand PVDP's decision in previous reports that a higher level Residential Visual Amenity Assessment was not required.

Toby Yeates, representing the developer, said the national policy statement guidelines set out that "virtually all nationally significant energy infrastructure projects will have adverse effects on the landscape".

The energy secretary would have to weigh up the impact against the need for the project and its benefits, he added.

Botley West would cover more than 1,000 hectares of farmland, from south of Farmoor Reservoir, up beyond Woodstock to the north

Other issues on the inspectors' agenda included the solar farm's impact on the likelihood of bird strikes on aircraft, Roman remains, flooding, the heritage status of Blenheim Palace and benefits for the local community.

The final deadline for submitting evidence is 13 November and the examiners then have three months to prepare a report for Mr Miliband, who will have a further three months to make his final decision.

Last year the energy secretary approved plans for a large solar farm on the Cambridgeshire-Suffolk border, despite inspectors' recommendation that he "withhold consent", the hearing was told.

Mr Miliband said solar was "crucial to achieving net zero" and the "benefits... outweigh its adverse impacts".