UPDATES - April 2024

The full planning application is has not yet been decided by North Yorkshire Council. There is therefore still time to raise your objections via the form on the Home page. 

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Please see a summary of the Statutory Consultation responses below to give you an indication of how unsuitable the land surrounding Lords Lane is for a Solar Farm. The full responses can be found on the main North Yorkshire Website. 

Full Planning Application - ZB25/01246/FUL - Statutory Consultation Responses ​

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Local Highway Authority Public Rights of Way - Requested that a separate access road is created so that users are not adversely affected by construction traffic.

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North Yorkshire Principal Landscape Architect - Holding Objection – more information needed. Responses stated: 'At present the proposal does not demonstrate sufficient compliance with policy E4: Green Infrastructure or E7: Hambleton’s landscapes as it does not protect enhance or restore the distinctive landscape character or secure improvements to green infrastructure that are integral to the existing landscape pattern or enhance recreational links'. 

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Local Access Forum (24/03/26) - In conclusion, the Local Access Forum is concerned that there are still several unanswered questions which are crucial to clarify, nor has an Environmental Impact Assessment been provided as expected. The Forum advises that the impact on vulnerable road users who depend on off-road tracks and quiet roads for their recreational value will be substantial. The benefits of these cannot be over-emphasised as there are no alternatives in the area and any industrial development which impacts on this highway network must be a material consideration of considerable concern.
 

Environment Agency (08/04/26)- Objects to the proposal on the grounds of flood risk and recommend that planning permission is refused due to the absence of an acceptable flood risk assessment. 

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North Yorkshire Council Highways and Transportation Western Area Team (10/03/26) - 'the Application should be ‘Deferred’ so that further evidence relating to the points below can be gathered and then reviewed by the Local Highway Authority'

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North Yorkshire Ecology Team (18/02/26) - stated 'In my response of 11th August 2025, I pointed out that the very preliminary ecological information provided by the applicant was in need of comprehensive revision and updating'. 

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Swale & Ure Internal Drainage Board - The main cut bridge will require their approval. 

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Bedale Parish Council - Objects

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Exelby, Leeming and Londonderry Parish Council - Objects

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Snape Parish Council- Objects 

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Burneston, Swainby with Allerthorpe & Theakston Parish Council s - Objects

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Thornton Watlass Parish Council- Does not support the solar farm

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Well Parish Council (08/12/25)- Objects

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Ramblers - Objects to the plans as revised

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Environmental Health (11/03/26) - No objection due to the construction noise being assessed. However, we have highlighted to the EH Officer that the Applicant has failed to take into account the operational noise and we have requested a full Noise Impact Assessment. 

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British Horse Society - Relating to the increase in danger from the HGV construction traffic to the site, the detrimental effect it will have on the amenity value of the public rights of way network the BRITISH HORSE SOCIETY OBJECTS to this proposal.

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Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (01/04/26)- raised concerns on a number of grounds which would need further clarification before the application is decided. ​​​​​​

Environmental Screening Request ​​

• No decision has been made regarding the EIA yet. 

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Public Consultation ​

• There was a fantasic attendance at the Bedale Town Council & the Exelby, Leeming and Londonderry Parish Council meeting!! Thank you to everyone who attended, we are hugely grateful.  ​​