I raised my and constituents’ concerns about the proposed “Botley West Solar Farm” in the House of Commons during last night’s debate on Large Solar Farms.

Everyone accepts the importance of increasing domestic renewable energy production. But this cannot be at the expense of our countryside and the character of our local areas.

If the – somewhat misnamed – “Botley West Solar Farm” were approved, it would be the biggest solar farm in Europe. 76% would cover greenbelt land, causing it to have an irreversible impact on the West Oxfordshire countryside that surrounds it. It is vital that we protect not just energy security, but also local amenity, farmland, food security and the character of rural areas when considering such proposals.

Renewable energy schemes must be facilitated in appropriate places, with local support. With “Botley West Solar Farm”, this is not the case.

Please do watch my contribution.