NewsStory

UK refuses consent for 840 MW Botley West solar farm

KROV newsroom

13 Nov 2026, 12:21 pm IST1 min read

DiscussionThe story behind the news.

Illustrated solar panels beside a hedgerow in a generic countryside setting

The UK government refused development consent on 10 November for the proposed 840-megawatt Botley West Solar Farm in Oxfordshire. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said the application covered the solar arrays and infrastructure to connect the project.

The decision letter concludes that the project’s adverse effects would outweigh its benefits. It identifies substantial harm to the protected Green Belt, harm to heritage sites including the Blenheim Palace World Heritage Site, and significant effects on the landscape and views. The decision follows the examining authority’s recommendation to refuse consent.

Cover image is an AI-generated editorial illustration.

Sources and credits

Credit: UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Secretary of State’s published decision. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. · Summarised/translated by KROV · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

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