Why clean energy matters here
Reaching net zero means replacing fossil-fuel electricity while also powering more of our heating and transport with electricity. That requires energy efficiency, rooftop solar, community energy and larger renewable projects working together.
Sustainable Woodstock supports that shift. We also believe the scale and design of major developments matter: renewable energy should protect nature, respect the places around it and leave something valuable behind for local communities.
Our position on Botley West
We support the principle of large-scale renewable generation. At the same time, we have pressed the developer and decision-makers to make Botley West a better project — one that delivers more than electricity alone.
A meaningful, long-term share of the value created by the project for the communities that host it.
Strong biodiversity gains, careful land management and clear accountability for delivering them.
Opportunities for community ownership, local energy projects and practical help with energy costs.
Careful treatment of landscape, heritage, flooding, farming, construction traffic, access and recreation.
Making Botley West fair
Together with Low Carbon Hub, GreenTEA and Sustainable Botley, Sustainable Woodstock has helped argue for a stronger community benefit package. The Make Botley West Fair campaign is calling for 2% of project revenue to be invested locally.
That could support projects with a lasting public benefit: warmer homes, community renewables, safer active travel, nature recovery and other local priorities. If communities are hosting nationally significant infrastructure for decades, the local legacy should be significant too.
Read more about Make Botley West Fair ↗
Where the proposal stands
Project status updated September 2026.
Explore Botley West in detail
The project has developed through consultation, examination and further requests for evidence. Our detailed page brings together the proposal, Sustainable Woodstock's position, the community-benefit argument, the 2023 public meeting and the current decision timetable.
Botley West: our detailed position →
Our detailed consultation response
Our full submission covers community benefit, biodiversity, farming, landscape, access, energy bills, community ownership, hydrology, traffic and heritage. It sets out what we believe a high-quality renewable-energy project should deliver for this area.