Developers of a proposed giant solar farm said approval of three similar schemes by the government is "a welcome and positive step".

New Energy Secretary Ed Miliband approved three huge solar farms – Gate Burton in Lincolnshire, Mallard Pass on the Rutland and Lincolnshire border, and Sunnica in Suffolk on July 12.

Following the General Election it is Mr Miliband who will decide whether to grant consent for the proposed 2,471-acre Botley West Solar Farm at three sites near Botley, Kidlington and Woodstock.

Photovolt Development Partners (PVDP) had planned to submit the development consent order application in July but last month decided to postpone until the autumn.

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Instead the developer is running a third public consultation "focusing on targeted changes that have been made across the site".

A PVDP spokesperson said: “The Secretary of State’s approval of these other developments is a welcome and positive step in the UK’s drive towards its 2030 target, and is fully consistent with the Government’s National Policy Statements as derogated in January.”

Shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho said: “It’s clear that Ed Miliband has more interest in listening to the demands of Just Stop Oil than the needs of rural communities, even going as far as to overrule an expert examining authority to impose a large-scale solar farm in one case.

 

“Climate policy cannot come at the expense of struggling families, or the nation’s food or economic security, or it will fail.”