Renewable energy developer Renewable Connections has secured planning approval from North Yorkshire Council for its 23-megawatt Carr House solar and battery storage project, located near East Heslerton and Sherburn.
The council granted consent under delegated powers on June 6, following a public and statutory consultation process that began in early 2024. The project will combine a 23.5MW solar array with a 19MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), enabling the site to generate clean electricity and provide grid-balancing services.
Covering approximately 88.8 hectares south of the River Derwent, the development is expected to produce enough electricity to power around 7,400 homes in its first year of operation.
“North Yorkshire Council puts renewable energy at the heart of their approach to tackling the climate emergency they announced in 2022,” said Michael Hughes, chief executive of Renewable Connections. “We’re delighted they have chosen to consent Carr House Solar Farm and battery energy storage project, which will make a meaningful contribution to the area’s energy needs and efforts to tackle climate change.”
The project includes several biodiversity and ecological measures. According to the developer, these will deliver a 16% net gain in habitat units, a 55% increase in hedgerow units, and a 7% improvement in watercourse units. These figures exceed the minimum requirements set by the Environment Act, the company said.
Renewable Connections noted the project was designed with consideration for the local environment, including the retention of existing vegetation, the creation of wildlife corridors, and the use of screening to minimise visual impacts.
Carr House is one of a series of solar and battery projects being advanced by Renewable Connections across the UK, as the company continues to expand its portfolio of low-carbon infrastructure.
