Botley West decision shows major projects must take account of local issues
Published 12 November 2026
Vale of White Horse District Council has welcomed the government’s decision on the Botley West solar farm application, describing it as evidence that Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) need to be properly scrutinised and assessed on their merits, taking local considerations into account, rather than automatically approved.
Council Leader, Cllr Bethia Thomas, said:
“We welcome the Secretary of State’s decision this week to refuse the Botley West solar farm application.
“We are clear advocates of renewable power and solar power generation – as shown by our own decarbonisation programme across our leisure centres – but this type of development must work for the local area and be delivered in the right way. We are supportive of national priorities where they are appropriate and with a mind to prioritising our communities first and foremost.
“I am relieved to see this project has been considered on its merits and that the national planning process is robust. The application failed because it has not been thought through properly. I am also heartened to note its approval has not been inevitable purely on its Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project status. Clearly in this instance, the development was inappropriate and poorly planned – and the decision reflects this.
“In this decision, the needs of the local community and local issues have been taken into consideration. This is exactly what we want to see across all these types of major schemes coming forwards in our area, including those where the district council does not have decision making powers.
“This sends a clear message to developers that they can’t just turn up on our doorstep and consider it a done deal if they fall under an NSIP category – without due consideration to the impacts on the community, local heritage, rural character and landscape.
“I would encourage everyone to engage with the planning process going forwards for all of these national level schemes. Thames Water’s reservoir application is submitted to government next week. If it is accepted for examination, we enter a complex pre-examination stage where it is important for the district council – alongside everyone else – to put our view across and make sure local voices are heard.
“A great deal of our officer and member time is already focussed on doing everything in our power to influence and scrutinise these projects to ensure the core issues are addressed up to and after the decisions are made. We want to ensure we secure the best possible outcome for all the communities that are impacted.”
Last month the council discussed the proposed Cearn solar farm at full council. Vale of White Horse District Council Leader, Cllr Bethia Thomas, is set to write to the government to outline concerns around the proposed solar farm which is located across three development areas between Garford, Charney Bassett, West Hanney, Goosey and Baulking. At approximately 2,800 acres, it would be one of the larger solar farm proposals in the UK.
The council has created an ‘NSIPs hub’ to keep all of the information on major projects in one place: www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/ValeNSIPs
