The proposed solar farm will cover approximately 55 hectares of farmland near Market Weighton Road, northeast of Barlby.
The site is relatively flat and not subject to any environmental or heritage designations.
No public rights of way border or traverse the site and there are no listed buildings or other local features in the immediate vicinity, apart from Skipwith Common National Nature Reserve (SSSI), which is located less than 1km north of the site.
The flatness of the local area limits views of the site, which is generally well screened with trees and hedgerows. The site does not form part of any statutory landscape designations and is not within a National Landscape Area or National Park.
The site is in flood zone 1 (lowest risk).
There are no listed buildings, or heritage features in the immediate vicinity
The recent spikes in domestic energy prices affecting households across the country have enouraged the government to focus on a more independent UK energy strategy. Solar power is key to creating affordable and secure energy generation nationwide.
In addition, one of the government’s flagship goals is to make Britain a “clean energy superpower”; promising to lower energy bills, create jobs, and deliver secure, zero- carbon electricity by 2030, accelerating the move to net zero. As part of this mission, it has pledged to work with the private sector to triple the country’s solar capacity by the same date.
The Whitemoor Wood solar farm will contribute to this by generating 30MW of clean energy: enough to power the equivalent of 9,090 homes. A 10MW battery will store excess energy to be used later in the day when demand is higher.
Megawatts (MW) of clean energy generated
Standard domestic households powered annually
Approx. hectares of land protected by the solar farm
We plan to install a 30MW solar array across approximately 55 hectares of land, requiring minimal groundworks. The panels will be mounted on frames, with the top edge of the panels being about three metres high.
In addition to the solar panels, the site will also include:
Access will be from Market Weighton Road.
The planning application will be determined by North Yorkshire Council.
Ecological enhancements lie at the heart of the Whitemoor Wood Solar proposal.
Ecological surveys started in 2022 and are still underway. Ecological enhancements (and mitigation where deemed necessary) will be implemented as part of the Whitemoor Wood Solar proposal.
A minimum 10% biodiversity net gain will be delivered across the site, and this may involve the planting of trees, hedgerows and installation of bird boxes.
Initial Feasibility studies
Technical surveys
Public engagement
Planning submission (this date is driven by the need to submit the planning application ahead of grid reform)
Construction