Woolpots solar farm approval overturned for landscape review

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 4 Nov, 20:33 · Archive

A High Court has quashed planning permission for the Woolpots solar farm near Husthwaite after ruling the inspector failed to consider landscape impact.

The Woolpots solar farm scheme, near Husthwaite between Thirsk and Easingwold, was granted permission on appeal in October despite being refused by North Yorkshire Council. Local resident Philip Hewitson challenged the decision, arguing that the planning inspector had failed to properly consider the impact on the nearby Howardian Hills National Landscape. The High Court agreed and quashed the planning permission in August.

The Planning Inspectorate has now confirmed that the appeal will be reconsidered, with a reopened hearing provisionally scheduled for 25 November. The scheme, proposed by Woolpots Solar Farm Ltd, would cover approximately 126 acres of farmland with solar panels capable of exporting around 32MW of electricity, plus a battery energy storage facility with a capacity of 37MWh.

North Yorkshire Council previously refused permission over concerns about landscape impact, views from the Howardian Hills and loss of high-quality agricultural land. Opponents say around 70 per cent of the proposed site comprises the best and most versatile agricultural land. They have also raised concerns about the cumulative impact of solar developments in the area and battery storage safety.

Opponents including Hewitson and Husthwaite Parish Council are calling for a full public inquiry instead of a reopened hearing, arguing that changes to national policy and new evidence since the original appeal mean the proposals should be subjected to 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.York Press · 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.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 4 Nov, 14:00
• Controversial plans for large solar farm facility to be reconsideredWoolpots solar farm and battery storage scheme near Husthwaite faces reconsideration after High Court ruling over Howardian Hills landscape impact.York Press · 4 Nov, 12:52

In this story: Woolpots Solar Farm Ltd · Philip Hewitson · Husthwaite · North Yorkshire Council · Planning Inspectorate · Howardian Hills National Landscape

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log