Photovolt Submits Plans for £800 Million Oxfordshire Solar Farm to Become Britain’s Largest

Photovolt Development Partners has formally submitted plans to the Planning Inspectorate for the Botley West solar project, an 840MW development in Oxfordshire that, once completed, would become the largest solar farm in the UK. The ambitious project is set to generate enough clean energy to power 330,000 homes—equivalent to meeting the electricity needs of every household in the county.  

Oxfordshire County Council declared a climate emergency in 2019, recognizing the urgent need to reduce its carbon footprint. With one of the UK’s most carbon-intensive grids, the county stands to benefit significantly from the Botley West project. The development will add substantial renewable energy capacity and create new jobs, enhance biodiversity, and repurpose intensively farmed land for grazing, balancing energy production with ecological stewardship.  

The project has garnered widespread support among local residents and the broader UK population. According to research by Public First, 66% of Oxfordshire residents favour having a solar farm within three miles of their homes. Nationally, 82% of Britons back the push for increased green energy capacity, with renewables emerging as the most popular type of infrastructure.   

If approved, the Botley West solar farm will be a landmark step in the UK’s journey toward net zero. Beyond its environmental benefits, the project underscores the growing alignment between public sentiment, government commitments, and private sector action in accelerating the green energy transition.  

As the Planning Inspectorate reviews the proposal, the Botley West project is a powerful example of how large-scale renewable energy developments can drive local and national sustainability goals while addressing pressing climate challenges.

Photovolt director Mark Owen-Lloyd said: "We are pleased formally to complete the submission of our plans for Botley West, which will make a huge contribution to achieving Net Zero in the UK.

"This project will help equip Britain to mitigate the impact of devastating climate change.

"The process will now enter a new phase, with the Planning Inspectorate adopting an evidence-based approach to their deliberations.

"These proposals follow extensive consultation with the local community and thorough, years-long environmental studies.

"This has resulted in the provision of new walking paths, increasing the distance between panels and residential areas and a commitment to a minimum 70% biodiversity net gain.

"Botley West represents a major investment of £800m, creating skilled jobs and helping power local businesses. Our submission includes community benefits aimed at ensuring those nearest to the project benefit financially."

The project will see a net biodiversity gain of 70%, with the creation of new hedgerows, the opening up of new grazing pastures, the protection of ancient woodland, and the planting of new trees.

The Planning Inspectorate will appoint an examining authority and examine the proposal following procedures outlined in the Planning Act 2008.