Ministers have rejected plans for the UK’s largest solar farm on Oxfordshire’s Blenheim Estate, citing substantial harm to the greenbelt and heritage assets including Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Winston Churchill. Baroness Curran, under-secretary of state for energy, said the 840-megawatt Botley West project would also adversely affect the landscape and aviation safety. Chris Hewett of Solar Energy UK called the decision regrettable, emphasizing solar’s role in displacing gas power.
Professor Alex Rogers of Stop Botley West praised the refusal of “fundamentally flawed” plans. The Labour government, under Andy Burnham, continues to pursue clean energy goals but has deprioritized the 2030 decarbonization mission. Botley West would have covered one-fifth of the estate, generating enough power for a small city.
Blenheim’s CEO, Dominic Hare, argued it would boost farmland revenue tenfold. Developer PVDP expressed disappointment and will review next steps. The project faced local protests and scrutiny over land use.
It was also in talks to supply Exeter College’s proposed data centre. Liberal Democrat MP Charlie Maynard welcomed the rejection, citing insufficient local consultation.
Source: Financial Times Companies · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing