Project Size: 840 MW Solar & Battery Storage
Status: DCO Accepted – Q4 2024

Overview

Botley West Solar Farm is one of the largest renewable energy infrastructure projects in the UK, designed to deliver up to 840 MW of solar generation alongside integrated battery storage in Oxfordshire. As a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), it is progressing through the Development Consent Order (DCO) process. Our team was appointed to provide end-to-end land services to support the delivery of this flagship clean energy development.

Our Role

Our specialist land consultancy team was engaged to manage and deliver a full suite of land services to support the consenting and development phases. Our scope included:

Land Referencing and Agency

• Undertook detailed land referencing to identify and catalogue all land interests within the Order Limits.
• Managed proactive engagement with affected landowners, tenants, and stakeholders across a diverse and sensitive rural landscape.
• Secured early access for surveys and environmental assessments to maintain project momentum.

Valuation and Survey Access (PCE)

• Compensation Estimates (PCE) and tailored valuation advice to inform DCO documentation and project budgeting.
• Negotiated terms for survey access across complex ownerships, ensuring minimal disruption to existing land uses.

DCO Land Assembly Strategy

• Advised on land assembly routes and supported the formulation of a robust land strategy for the DCO application.
• Drafted supporting documents for the Book of Reference and Statement of Reasons.
• Collaborated closely with legal and planning teams to ensure compliance with Planning Act 2008 requirements.

Negotiation of Cable Easements

• Led negotiations for offsite cable easements and substation connections, securing long-term rights to facilitate grid connection and operational flexibility.
• Balanced commercial and technical requirements to deliver mutually agreeable terms with landowners.

Outcomes

• The DCO application for Botley West Solar Farm was successfully submitted and accepted for examination in Q4 2024.
• Our comprehensive approach ensured early buy-in from stakeholders, reduced potential objections, and underpinned a robust and defensible land strategy for examination.
• Our work continues to support the delivery of this landmark renewable energy project, reinforcing our reputation as a trusted partner in the land assembly of complex infrastructure schemes.

Conclusion

Our involvement in Botley West Solar Farm demonstrates the value of an integrated, strategic approach to land services on nationally significant projects. With expertise spanning land referencing, valuation, easement negotiation, and DCO strategy, we continue to play a key role in accelerating the UK’s transition to clean, secure energy.