7. The proposals for the Botley West solar farm is a controversial local issue. What do you believe is the way forwards?
Ian Middleton (Green Party):
“I think it needs to be drastically rethought. It is too big and in the wrong place. Much as I support renewable energy I don’t feel that we should be doing that at the expense of farmland and recreational space. People in the area have already seen huge amounts of green space being developed and this project would see over 3400 acres of rural heartland armour plated. I agonised over this issue for some time but I simply can’t support it in good conscience. I would prefer to look at other alternatives, including more rooftop solar and perhaps small modular reactors using Thorium technology. We should also be urgently upgrading the national grid to make more and smaller utility scale solar facilities viable where they would not create the kind of visual and ecological impact that BWSF would.”
Veronica Oakeshott (Labour Party):
“I can’t support it in its current format. Significant changes are needed. I am determined to support our area make a meaningful contribution to tackling climate change and keeping energy bills down, whilst ensuring the character of our beautiful towns and villages is well preserved. Any future projects must not only protect our villages but bring significant economic benefits to the community for example through grants and shared ownership or energy discounts, alongside apprenticeships and skilled job opportunities fit for the modern green era.”
Calum Miller (Liberal Democrats):
“We do need solar power but with important caveats. It should not be of a scale that is damaging to the environment and to local amenity. It should not be driven by there being a single huge landowner or by commercial interests seeking to exploit weaknesses in the national planning framework. As your MP I will press the case for the National Grid to be upgraded so that solar and other renewable energy facilities can be put in the right place and for local communities to have a stronger voice in decision-making.
It is nonsense that there is a solar farm built in Eynsham that cannot be linked to a substation, and one in South Leigh with planning permission but a connection date no earlier than 2026. It is also a nonsense that the government refuses to oblige housing developers to make new houses zero carbon and to permit them to install gas boilers which will need to be replaced soon.”
Kidlington Eco Group 