As a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), the solar farm secured its consent via a Development Consent Order (DCO). Following initial consultations in 2022, the DCO application was accepted for examination in December 2023. The examination concluded in November 2024, and the Examining Authority appointed by the Planning Inspectorate submitted their recommendation to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband MP, in February 2025. The Secretary of State’s decision, granting development consent, was issued on the 9th May 2025.
Overview.
Project spans 1,277 hectares
Expected construction period of 24 months
Fully reversible development
Additional trees & hedgerows planted
Significant Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
Community benefit fund for local causes
Contributing to the UK's Net Zero target
The scheme will generate approximately 400 megawatts (MW) of low-carbon electricity—enough to power around 100,000 homes. It contributes directly to the UK Government’s targets of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and delivering 70 gigawatts of solar capacity by 2035.
The project comprises solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, underground cabling between panel areas, onsite substations, and connections to the National Grid’s substation at Drax. It also includes landscaping, biodiversity enhancements, and associated infrastructure. The total land area required (including cable routes) is approximately 1,277 hectares.
As the UK is currently a net importer of electricity, this scheme will play a crucial role in enhancing national energy security and supporting the transition to a clean, self-sufficient energy system.
The design has been guided by a thorough Environmental Impact Assessment and shaped through multiple rounds of public consultation. Measures such as buffer zones, screening vegetation, and the retention of existing hedgerows will help minimise visual impacts and maintain the rural character of the area. The development will also support local biodiversity through the creation of wildlife habitats, including new grassland and woodland areas. A significant parcel of land adjacent to the River Foulness has been included within the Order Limits to benefit overwintering bird species.
Public access has also been considered, with the scheme preserving existing public rights of way and introducing new permissive paths to enhance local connectivity.
The construction and operation of East Yorkshire Solar Farm will deliver economic benefits to the local community, including employment opportunities during construction and indirect support for local businesses.
3rd October - 30th October 2022
9th May – 20th June 2023
1st September – 2nd October 2023
- The Planning Inspectorate (PINS) accepted the application for Examination, marking the start of the formal planning process.
- Over six months, the Examining Authority (ExA) reviewed the application, gathered evidence, and invited written representations and public hearings.
- The ExA submitted its Recommendation Report to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, the Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP, following the conclusion of the Examination.
- The Secretary of State granted a Development Consent Order for East Yorkshire Solar Farm Limited on 9th May 2025.
See: East Yorkshire Solar Farm Limited Development Consent Order 2025.
All relevant documents - including the final DCO, the Secretary of State’s Decision Letter, the Examining Authority’s Recommendation Report, and all application and examination materials - are available on the Planning Inspectorate’s dedicated project webpage. Local residents and community members can continue to contact us using the dedicated contact form at the bottom of this webpage if they have any questions about the project.
As a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), the solar farm secured its consent via a Development Consent Order (DCO). Following initial consultations in 2022, the DCO application was accepted for examination in December 2023. The examination concluded in November 2024, and the Examining Authority appointed by the Planning Inspectorate submitted their recommendation to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband MP, in February 2025. The Secretary of State’s decision, granting development consent, was issued on the 9th May 2025.
Timeline.
- Site Selection
- Development
- Planning Submission
- Acceptance
- Pre-Examination
- Examination & Recommendation
- Decision
The scheme will generate approximately 400 megawatts (MW) of low-carbon electricity—enough to power around 100,000 homes. It contributes directly to the UK Government’s targets of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and delivering 70 gigawatts of solar capacity by 2035.
The project comprises solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, underground cabling between panel areas, onsite substations, and connections to the National Grid’s substation at Drax. It also includes landscaping, biodiversity enhancements, and associated infrastructure. The total land area required (including cable routes) is approximately 1,277 hectares.
As the UK is currently a net importer of electricity, this scheme will play a crucial role in enhancing national energy security and supporting the transition to a clean, self-sufficient energy system.
The design has been guided by a thorough Environmental Impact Assessment and shaped through multiple rounds of public consultation. Measures such as buffer zones, screening vegetation, and the retention of existing hedgerows will help minimise visual impacts and maintain the rural character of the area. The development will also support local biodiversity through the creation of wildlife habitats, including new grassland and woodland areas. A significant parcel of land adjacent to the River Foulness has been included within the Order Limits to benefit overwintering bird species.
Public access has also been considered, with the scheme preserving existing public rights of way and introducing new permissive paths to enhance local connectivity.
The construction and operation of East Yorkshire Solar Farm will deliver economic benefits to the local community, including employment opportunities during construction and indirect support for local businesses.
3rd October - 30th October 2022
9th May – 20th June 2023
1st September – 2nd October 2023
- The Planning Inspectorate (PINS) accepted the application for Examination, marking the start of the formal planning process.
- Over six months, the Examining Authority (ExA) reviewed the application, gathered evidence, and invited written representations and public hearings.
- The ExA submitted its Recommendation Report to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, the Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP, following the conclusion of the Examination.
- The Secretary of State granted a Development Consent Order for East Yorkshire Solar Farm Limited on 9th May 2025.
See: East Yorkshire Solar Farm Limited Development Consent Order 2025.
All relevant documents - including the final DCO, the Secretary of State’s Decision Letter, the Examining Authority’s Recommendation Report, and all application and examination materials - are available on the Planning Inspectorate’s dedicated project webpage. Local residents and community members can continue to contact us using the dedicated contact form at the bottom of this webpage if they have any questions about the project.