British renewable energy firm Boom Power has received planning approval for its proposed 22-megawatt New Hall Solar Farm in Overton, Wakefield, following a successful appeal against an earlier refusal by local authorities.
The approval was granted after a public inquiry, where Boom Power presented evidence regarding the project’s environmental benefits and its alignment with national energy and sustainability goals.
The solar development, which will be situated at New Hall Farm, will include landscaping measures and efforts to enhance biodiversity. The Planning Inspector concluded that the project would make a “substantial” contribution to renewable energy generation and efforts to combat climate change.
“I give substantial weight to the contribution the proposal makes to renewable energy generation, addressing climate change and to improving energy resilience and security,” the Planning Inspector stated in the final decision.
The project had initially been rejected by Wakefield Metropolitan District Council on six grounds. Prior to the inquiry, two of these, including the classification of the land as Green Belt, were withdrawn. Planning authorities acknowledged the site falls within the “Grey Belt,” which does not require the same level of justification as Green Belt land.
Remaining concerns addressed during the inquiry included the potential loss of agricultural land, visual and landscape impact, implications for local public footpaths, and proximity to a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
The inspector’s report also noted that the development would deliver biodiversity net gain, some economic benefits, and limited educational opportunities.
Mark Hogan, founder of Boom Power, said the decision supports the UK’s move toward low-carbon energy. “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,” he said.
Jack Spurway, Boom Power’s head of planning, added that the result reflects the “strength and integrity of the planning case” and the firm’s continued commitment to collaboration.
