North Yorkshire solar farm scheme faces fresh review after court ruling

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 4 Nov, 14:48 · Archive

A 126-acre solar farm proposal near Husthwaite in North Yorkshire will be reconsidered after a High Court quashed its planning approval.

Planning permission for a 126-acre solar farm near Husthwaite in North Yorkshire has been quashed by the High Court after a legal challenge over its impact on the Howardian Hills National Landscape. The Woolpots solar farm scheme was granted permission on appeal in October despite being refused by North Yorkshire Council. Local resident Philip Hewitson challenged this decision, arguing that the planning inspector had failed to properly consider the landscape impact. The High Court ruling in August found in his favour.

The scheme, proposed by Woolpots Solar Farm Ltd, would include solar panels exporting around 32MW of electricity and a battery energy storage facility with a capacity of 37MWh, comprising up to 32 battery containers. North Yorkshire Council had previously refused permission citing concerns about landscape and views from the Howardian Hills, and the loss of high-quality agricultural land. Opponents say approximately 70 per cent of the proposed development site comprises the best and most versatile agricultural land, and have also raised concerns about the cumulative impact of other solar developments in the area and battery storage safety.

The Planning Inspectorate has confirmed the appeal will be reconsidered, with a reopened hearing provisionally scheduled for 25 November. However, opponents including Hewitson and Husthwaite Parish Council are calling for a full public inquiry instead. They argue that changes to national policy and new evidence since the original appeal warrant more detailed scrutiny, including cross-examination of witnesses.

How it is being reported

• Controversial 126-acre solar farm to be reconsidered after High Court challengeWoolpots solar farm and battery storage scheme near Husthwaite faces reconsideration after High Court ruling over Howardian Hills landscape impact.The Northern Echo · 4 Nov, 14:00
• Controversial 126-acre solar farm to be reconsidered after High Court challengeWoolpots solar farm and battery storage scheme near Husthwaite faces reconsideration after High Court ruling over Howardian Hills landscape impact.Darlington & Stockton Times · 4 Nov, 14:00

In this story: Woolpots solar farm · Husthwaite · North Yorkshire · Howardian Hills National Landscape · Philip Hewitson · North Yorkshire Council · Planning Inspectorate

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