The Secretary of State has set a new deadline no later than 10 September "without prejudice to the decision on whether to grant or refuse": a striking position to reach this late in the process, says MP Calum Miller. He has written to ministers demanding answers on why the extension was granted.
DATELINE 10/02/2026: The Examining Authority submitted its recommendations to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero today. A final decision is expected within three months.
DATELINE 14/11/2025: the Examination has concluded. Four planning inspectors have listened to objectors and supporters at hearings in Oxford, considered thousands of pages of written submissions, and visited the site and nearby areas several times. Visit the Project page.
Key issues raised included the views from nearby homes, the level of community funding to be provided, the source of the scheme’s finances, and the effect on footpaths and the countryside.
A decision by Secretary of State Ed Miliband is expected in spring 2026.
Another 240 comments and responses were published to meet Deadline 7 (12 November), including 48 from PVDP.
DATELINE 07/11/2025: MP Calum Miller tabled a set of Written Parliamentary Questions on 5 November. For responses please follow the links.
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88548: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of Planning Inspectorate and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project processes in evaluating the financial viability of funding commitments made by developers of major energy projects.
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88549: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the (a) financial structure and (b) governance arrangements of (i) Blenheim Estates and (ii) the Blenheim Charitable Foundation.
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88547: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the financial viability of SolarFive Ltd and Photovolt Development Partners to undertake the development of Botley West Solar Farm.
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88546: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has sought the advice of the office of the Financial Sanction Implementation on reported Russian-linked funding associated with the proposed Botley West Solar Farm.
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88545: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of (a) the Planning Inspectorate and (b) Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project processes to safeguard against national security risks from investment by (i) inappropriate or (ii) hostile overseas sources.