Helios Solar Farm: Tory MP backs fundraiser for legal challenge on huge development in Yorkshire countryside
A Conservative MP has pledged to donate to a fundraiser for legal proceedings to try and block a huge solar development in the North Yorkshire countryside.
Sir David Davis, a former Cabinet minister who represents Google and Pocklington, said: “What is wrong with these solar farms is that they are far too big, blighting the countryside around whole villages.”
He was referring to the Helios Solar Farm, which was recently approved by the Government, with Energy Minister Martin McCluskey saying the scheme was a step towards making Britain a clean energy superpower.
The project, planned by Enso Energy and Cero Generation to the west of Camblesforth, near Selby, will be one of the largest in the UK, covering 476 hectares.
The development, which will include a battery energy storage scheme (BESS), will connect to the grid via underground cable at the nearby Drax power station.
In a report on the scheme, Mr McCluskey concluded that the “national need” outweighed any potential adverse impacts.
However, this has faced extensive opposition from locals, who have now launched a crowdfunder to instruct a barrister to carry out a judicial review.
They claimed that the vast majority of the land that the solar farm is using is classified as best most versatile (BMV) agricultural land.
Instead, it called for the energy to be powered by off-shore wind turbines.
The campaign group, known as Halt, said it has “serious concerns about the lawfulness of the planning decision” and believes a judicial review is now the only remaining legal mechanism available “to test whether the approval was made correctly”.
Sir David said: “I will be sending a donation to support their legal costs and I encourage others to do so as well.
“It is not just about the quality of agricultural land, it's about the quality of life of country dwellers and their right to enjoy the environment.”
Halt has currently raised almost £7,500 and is hoping to double this figure to instruct a barrister.
The group said that the “ideological and politically imposed target to achieve net zero by 2030” had meant their concerns about the industrialisation of the rural area had been overridden.
The spokesperson added: “Many residents have expressed dismay that, having lived here all their lives or having moved to this area years ago to get away from urban life, they now find themselves to be soon living amidst an industrial landscape.
“Our physical and mental health and safety, nature, beautiful walks, views, wildlife, peace and contentment, all sacrificed on the altar of net zero.”
The Energy Minister responded: “Families in Yorkshire have seen their energy bills go through the roof as a result of our exposure to volatile gas prices.
“The only way to make British people better off in the long-term is by securing clean, homegrown power that we control.
“Giving the green light to the Helios Solar Farm is another step forward in our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower, creating jobs, driving economic growth and protecting family finances.”
Enso Energy managing director Bill Rees said: “We are delighted to receive confirmation that this project has received Secretary of State approval.
“It is an important project to deliver the UK government’s Clean Power 2030 targets and support the UK’s transition to home-grown renewable power.”