It seems likely that Ed Miliband, the new secretary of state for energy, will give permission for the Botley West solar farm to be built.
Since the election on 4 July the minister has approved three major solar projects: Gate Barton in Lincolnshire, Mallard Pass in Lincolnshire and Rutland and Sunnica in Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. Between them they should be able to provide enough power for more than 400,000 homes. Mallar Pass alone would cover 2,000 acres (8km²). Sunnica would be another 2,500 acres (10km²)
Developments of this size are treated as nationally significant infrastructure projects and are decided on by central government, depriving local councils of any power to prevent them. The new government has signalled its intention to look favourably on such proposals in pursuit of its plan to maximise green energy. Despite many objections, the official in charge said in respect of Mallard Pass:
"The secretary of state has considered the overall planning balance and has concluded that the public benefits associated with the proposed development outweigh the harm identified, and that development consent should therefore be granted."
Botley West would be the largest solar farm in Europe and would cover 3,400 acres (nearly 14km²). By comparison Heathrow Airport occupies 3,030 acres (11.4km²). It is claimed that the planned solar farm could power 330,00 homes. It would comprise three areas of land: north of Woodstock stretching to the east of Wootton: just south of Bladon as far as the A40 to the east of Eynsham; and a smalled area south east of the Farmoor reservoir. Detaied maps can be found here:
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