The developer of a major solar farm in west Oxfordshire has announced itwill more than double the proposed community fund associated with the project.
Photovolt Development Partners (PVDP), the company behind the Botley West Solar Farm, has announced it will increase the annual fund from 200,000 to 440,000, providing a total of 16.5 million over the development’s 37.5-year lifespan.
This money will support community schemes across Oxfordshire and will be set up during the early stages of the project.
Botley West Solar Farm would cover 3,450 acres of land near Botley, Woodstock, and Kidlington, which is mostly owned by Blenheim, under the existing plans.
PVDP says the solar farm will generate 840 megawatts of renewable energy for approximately 330,000 homes in the county.
View of land in Church Hanborough proposed for Botley West Solar Farm (Image: Newsquest) Mark Owen-Lloyd, director of Botley West Solar Farm, said: “We have listened carefully to what local people and stakeholders have told us about the fund throughout this process.
“As a direct result of that feedback, we have increased the value of the community benefit fund by nearly tenfold since this project began.
“We have also once again agreed to remove panels from areas identified as particularly sensitive, in direct response to local concerns.
“These changes reflect our commitment to working in partnership and cooperation with the communities around Botley West and ensuring the project delivers real, lasting benefits where they are most needed.”
The decision to increase the fund follows several months of engagement with parish councils, community organisations, and local authorities.
In April, residents and organisations were invited to suggest how the fund could be used.
Initial suggestions have included upgrading community facilities, developing youth and skills programmes, and supporting local sustainability and food-growing initiatives.
In response to community feedback, PVDP has also agreed to scale back the project’s footprint in certain sensitive areas.
This includes 10 hectares of land near Oxford Airport, which has been identified as a potential emergency landing zone.
The solar farm represents an 800 million investment in Oxfordshire and aims to deliver significant renewable energy capacity alongside broader social and environmental benefits.
As well as helping the county to achieve its net zero targets, the project is expected to support efforts to reduce fuel poverty, strengthen food security, and stimulate the local economy.
The scheme has caused controversy regarding the impact it would have on heritage, the green belt, and RAF Brize Norton and London Oxford Airport in Kidlington.
The size of the project means it will go to Energy and Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband, rather than the district council, for decision.
Residents who have ideas for how the community fund should be allocated can email info@botleywest.co.uk.
https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/25217223.botley-west-developer-increases-proposed-community-fund/?ref=rss
