The government Planning Inspectorate is now examining this huge proposal that could place 2.2million solar panels on 3200acres of West Oxfordshire agricultural land.  The entire project area will be greater than the whole size of Heathrow Airport,  or putting it another way, is equivalent to 1800 football fields.   The nearest solar panels to North Leigh parish boundary will be just 1.1 mile away.  It will be one of the largest solar farms in Europe, if it goes ahead.

Some of the major issues identified are as follows:

• Huge size –  too big, wrong place
• 11,500 properties will be within 1.5kms of solar panels – nowhere in the world does this occur
• Loss of productive agricultural land – poor idea in this unstable world.
• 75% of the project will be on Green Belt land
• Risk to heritage  – Blenheim Palace World Heritage Site status could be at risk

Anyone and any organisation can register to have their say

You can do this by typing into Google   “PINS Botley West”.   Then click on “Register to have your say “ .  You can then fill in your name, some other basic information and then your comments about the proposal.  You will receive an email with a registration number showing that your comments have been received.

The Parish Council submitted its representation to National Infrastructure Planning. To view the response, click here. North Leigh Parish Council representation on Botley West Solar Farm January 2025

You must make your comments by 27^th February

The Parish Council has had an inspection carried out of the Children’s Playground on Park Road and the zip wire is in need of repair so is therefore temporarily out of action.

Replacement parts are on order and the Council will make residents aware via our Facebook page, the website and our mailing list when the repairs are complete.

The Council takes the safety of those using the playground very seriously and thanks you in advance for cooperation and patience.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Clerk via email: parishclerk@northleighparishcouncil.gov.uk or phone 07796 039496.

The Parish Council has submitted its response to the Lioncourt application. To view the response, click here: Parish Council response to 24/03100/OUT