Project Information

You can read detailed information on our project by downloading our consultation information boards. Some key elements are drawn out below, and you can also read our project FAQs.

Once you have read the information, you can send feedback by filling out our response form.

Why do we need the solar farm?

The UK is transitioning to zero and low carbon sources of power. All coal-fired power stations must close by 2025, meaning over a quarter of the UK’s energy generation needs to be replaced. The UK’s climate change ambitions are amongst the highest in Europe and the aim to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 is set in law.

By 2050 we could use 80% more electricity than we do today. For example, electric vehicle and heat pump ownership has grown thirty-fold and is set to rise with the abolition of new diesel and petrol cars by 2040.

Currently the UK’s electricity price is among the highest in Europe, meaning that we need to find ways of generating more affordable, renewable and clean electricity. Energy security for the country is now of paramount importance.

What does the project consist of?

Our proposals are for a new solar development capable of generating up to 49.9 megawatts (MW) of energy, with a battery storage system with capacity of up to 10MW. It would be located about 1.5 kilometres to the southwest of the village of Sutton-on-the-Forest, in North Yorkshire.

The solar farm will connect into the National Grid through underground cables and a single new above-ground pole adjacent to the existing 132kV overhead power line.

The solar development will consist of:

Approximately 101 hectares of land, with the solar panels covering approximately 85 hectares.
Solar panels with a power generation capacity of up to 49.9MW.
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with a capacity of 10MW.
Solar panels set on lightweight frames in rows spaced 2.5m apart, with a minimum ground clearance of 0.6m and a maximum panel height of up to 3m. As tracker panels, the height of the solar panels will vary from their midday point at 1.83m high, to their full height.
Substation with a control room, storage units and electrical bay.
Inverters and transformers to convert power from DC (Direct Current) to AC (Alternating Current).
Site access roads and internal access tracks through each field for operation and maintenance.
Deer fencing around the site of up to 2m in height.
Underground cables and a single new above-ground pole adjacent to the existing power line.
Approximately 1km of new hedgerow at the site boundary, as well as enhancement of existing hedgerows to screen the development from view and enhance biodiversity.

Plan 1: Site location

Plan 2: Proposed site layout

How does it work?

Solar panels are made out of photovoltaic cells (which is why generating electricity with solar panels is also called solar PV) that convert the sun’s energy into electricity.

Photovoltaic cells are sandwiched between layers of semi-conducting materials such as silicone. Each layer has different electronic properties that energise when hit by photons from sunlight, creating an electric field. This is known as the photoelectric effect, and this creates the electrical current.
Solar panels generate a Direct Current of electricity. This is then passed through an inverter to convert it into an Alternating Current, which can then be fed into the National Grid, or directly to large local power users.
Solar panels need daylight and sunshine, not high temperatures, so solar panels can and do work well in England.

Has the impact on the environment been considered?

We are mindful of the existing environmental context of the site. We are doing this by undertaking a number of surveys to make sure we understand the impacts the development may have on the environment, landscape, heritage and local community. We are also looking at ways to enhance local ecology and biodiversity through the project.

Early engagement has been undertaken with regulatory bodies and we are in discussions whether an Environmental Impact Assessment will be required for this development.

Plan 3: Environmental constraints

How will the solar panels be screened?

Hedgerows around the site would be maintained to screen the development from external views, as well as providing biodiversity benefit. Where there are existing gaps in the hedgerow, additional infill planting with native hedgerow species would be considered. Approximately 1km of new hedgerows will be planted at the site boundary. We will be developing a landscaping plan informed by a Landscape and Visual Assessment, which will be submitted with our planning application.

Will Sutton-on-the-Forest Solar Farm impact any public rights of way (PRoW)?

A Public Right of Way (PRoW), known as Footpath 10.141 9/1, runs along the eastern and northern edges of the site and crosses it in the south-east corner. We do not anticipate impacting on this route.

How will the local community benefit?

We are looking at ways to help ensure that the community benefits from the development of the solar farm. This may include setting up a Community Benefit Fund to support local projects. We would like to hear ideas from the local community on what they would like to see delivered. Please share any ideas or suggestions with us using our feedback form.

How long will the project take to develop?

We are currently doing surveys and assessments, which will inform our proposals alongside the outputs from this consultation. We will then submit a planning application to North Yorkshire Council in 2025.

Once the planning application is submitted, North Yorkshire Council will host a statutory consultation, where you will be able to comment further, directly to the council. At this point, we will also share an update with the local community on how feedback has influenced our proposals.

We would look to begin construction soon after planning permission being granted. During the construction period, initial site setup works would take place followed by construction of the internal access route(s), ground works for cabling and grid connection and the installation of the solar panels and other associated infrastructure, including the battery storage. We expect that construction will then take up to six months.