Share
Controversial plans for a large solar farm and battery storage facility near a North Yorkshire village are to be reconsidered by the Planning Inspectorate after a High Court challenge overturned the decision to approve the development.
The Woolpots solar farm scheme, near Husthwaite, between Thirsk and Easingwold, was granted permission on appeal last October despite being refused by North Yorkshire Council.
However, the decision was subsequently challenged by local resident Philip Hewitson, who argued that the planning inspector had failed to properly consider the impact on the nearby Howardian Hills National Landscape.
The legal challenge was successful, with the High Court quashing the planning permission in August.
The Planning Inspectorate has now confirmed that the appeal will be reconsidered, with a reopened hearing provisionally scheduled to take place on Wednesday, November 25.
However, opponents of the development, including Mr 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 mean the proposals should be subjected to more detailed scrutiny, including cross-examination of witnesses.
The scheme, proposed by Woolpots Solar Farm Ltd, would cover approximately 126 acres of farmland and include solar panels capable of exporting around 32MW of electricity.
It would also incorporate a battery energy storage facility with a capacity of 37MWh, comprising up to 32 battery containers and associated infrastructure.
North Yorkshire Council previously refused permission over concerns about the impact on the surrounding landscape, views from the Howardian Hills and the loss of high-quality agricultural land.
Opponents say around 70 per cent of the proposed development 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 the safety of the proposed battery storage facility.
Husthwaite parish councillor Sarah Aspinall said there was growing concern about the concentration of solar developments across the wider Hambleton area.
She said: “There has also been a steady increase in the number of pending and approved solar and battery storage applications in the wider Hambleton area, with many concerned – both within and outside our parish – about cumulative impact and industrialisation of the countryside.”
She added that updated national fire safety guidance for large battery storage schemes was particularly relevant because of concerns about the proposed facility’s proximity to the village primary school.
Mr Hewitson said the development would threaten agricultural land and the area’s rural character.
He said: “There are a series of crises – energy security, food security, climate change, nature recovery and housing – placing the countryside under intense pressure.
“Predatory solar development on prime agricultural land compromises long-term food security and rural heritage for short-term energy convenience.”
Read more
Call for Yorkshire Water to return to public ownership after 335 pollution incidents
North Yorkshire councillors warned jokes and banter can cause offence under new rules
Yorkshire Dales campsite submits new plans to allow campervans on ten pitches
The legal challenge centred on whether the planning inspector had properly addressed strengthened legislation requiring public bodies to seek to further the conservation and enhancement of designated National Landscapes.
The High Court’s decision does not mean the solar farm must be refused permission, but requires the appeal to be determined again.
The applicant has not responded to requests from the Local Democracy Reporting Service to comment on the scheme.
Share
This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation’s Editors’ Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here
© 2001-2026. The Northern Echo is owned and operated by Newsquest Media Group Ltd, an audited local newspaper network.
Visit newsquest.co.uk to view our policies, terms and legal agreements.
The Echo Building, 18 Albert Road, Bournemouth, England BH1 1BZ. Registered in England & Wales | 01676637
Data returned from the Piano ‘meterActive/meterExpired’ callback event.
As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles.
Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services.
These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience – the local community.
It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times.
