The City of York Council has approved plans for a 49.9MW Hessay solar farm submitted by Solar2, a UK independently owned specialist renewable energy developer.
According to a statement released by the firm, the solar farm will be developed on land to the south of Low Moor Lane southeast of Hessay Village and north of Rufforth Village.
Hessay solar farm will use a form of agrivoltaics, ensuring the land that the ground-mount solar sits upon can still be used for sheep grazing and wildflower meadows.
A community fund will also be established as part of the solar project. Its inclusion will see c.£500 donated per megawatt per year to the local community.
Richard Morgan, head of solar at Solar2, said: “We’re thrilled that the Council has approved plans for the solar farm and we’d like to thank the local community and stakeholders for taking the time to engage with us throughout the design and planning process to aid in the design of plans that respond to concerns and minimise potential impacts.
“Now planning permission has been secured, we are looking forward to working with our development partners, the relevant local parish councils and the local community to discuss the Community Benefit Fund.”
York Minster set to receive solar PV
York has seen growing popularity for solar technologies in recent months, with the iconic cathedral, York Minster, set to install a total of 199 panels upon the roof of South Quire Aisle, a part of the building that dates back to 1361. This will generate around 75,000kW/h of power annually.
York Minster confirmed there will also be a panel installed within the Minster itself displaying its energy production and carbon savings as it seeks to promote the importance of decarbonisation to the thousands of local, national and international visitors that appreciate York Minster.
This solar development will contribute to the Church of England’s decarbonisation target, aiming to be net zero 2030.
Solar Power Portal’s publisher Solar Media will host the UK Solar Summit on 4-5 June 2024 in London. The event will explore UK’s new landscape for utility and rooftop solar, looking at the opportunities within a GW+ annual market, and much more. For more information, go to the website.