BOOM Power has secured planning consent for the 22MW New Hall Solar Farm in Overton, Wakefield, following a successful appeal against initial refusal by Wakefield Metropolitan District Council.
The solar farm, to be built at New Hall Farm, will deliver renewable electricity while incorporating landscaping and biodiversity enhancements.
Consent was granted after a public inquiry, during which BOOM Power presented evidence supporting the scheme’s environmental benefits and alignment with sustainable land use.
The project was initially refused on six grounds, but before the inquiry the council dropped two, including the claim that the site was within the Green Belt.
Planning authorities accepted it is in the Grey Belt, meaning the stringent “very special circumstances” test did not apply.
The remaining concerns focused on the loss of agricultural land, visual and landscape impacts, potential effects on local public footpaths, and proximity to a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
In her decision, the Planning Inspector concluded: “I give substantial weight to the contribution the proposal makes to renewable energy generation, addressing climate change and to improving energy resilience and security.”
She also noted the biodiversity net gain, economic benefits, and limited educational opportunities as further merits of the project.
Mark Hogan, founder of BOOM Power, said: “We’re delighted that the Planning Inspectorate has granted consent for New Hall Solar Farm. This represents a significant step in supporting the UK’s transition to clean, reliable, and locally generated renewable energy.
“From the outset, we have worked to ensure this project achieves the right balance between energy generation and environmental responsibility, maintaining our 100% planning approval track record.”
Jack Spurway, head of planning at BOOM Power, added: “Securing consent for New Hall Solar Farm is a testament to the strength and integrity of the planning case we presented. We’re proud to see this project move forward and look forward to continuing our collaborative approach as we progress toward construction.”
