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Locals concerned over proposed West Oxfordshire Energy Plant solar farm
Overview
Residents near the proposed 2,400-acre West Oxfordshire Energy Plant (WOEP) have expressed shock, anger, and anxiety over the scale of the solar farm development. Developer Low Carbon plans to produce 500MW of electricity, with a public consultation expected next year and a planning application targeted for late 2027. Because the project exceeds 100MW, the final decision will rest with the energy secretary and Planning Inspectorate rather than through local planning routes.
Key points
- Developer Low Carbon proposes the 2,400-acre West Oxfordshire Energy Plant (WOEP) to generate 500MW of electricity.
- Local residents have raised concerns that the project will transform rural and agricultural land into an industrial landscape.
- Due to generating over 100MW, the project bypasses local planning and will be decided by the energy secretary and Planning Inspectorate.
- Low Carbon stated it plans to hold a public consultation in the new year and aims to submit a planning application by the end of 2027.