UK-based renewable energy developer Boom Power has received planning permission to construct a 29.7-megawatt solar farm in West Yorkshire, following approval by Wakefield Council’s planning committee.
The Woolley Solar Farm will be situated on a 55.3-hectare site southwest of Woolley village. According to the company, the project will generate enough electricity to power approximately 11,700 homes annually and is expected to offset around 7,300 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
Despite its location within the protected Green Belt, Boom Power successfully argued that the land qualifies as “grey belt” — land considered to have reduced environmental or planning sensitivity. As a result, the project did not require justification under the “very special circumstances” rule typically applied to Green Belt developments.
“Securing approval for Woolley Solar Farm is a positive step forward for renewable energy development in the region,” said Mark Hogan, founder of Boom Power. “The industry continues to play a vital role in meeting the UK’s clean energy targets while balancing environmental and planning considerations.”
The council found that the project’s benefits — including renewable energy generation and biodiversity enhancements — outweighed any potential harm to the landscape, aligning with both national and local planning policies.
The development will include a range of ecological measures such as hedgerow planting, wildflower meadows, and new wildlife habitats. Public rights of way that cross the site will remain accessible throughout construction and operation, with safety measures in place.
“The approval of Woolley Solar Farm is a testament to the careful planning and collaboration involved in delivering large-scale renewable energy projects,” said Jack Spurway, head of planning at Boom Power. “We’ve worked closely with local stakeholders to ensure the development represents sustainable development.”
The solar farm has a planned operational life of 40 years, after which the site can be fully restored. Boom Power said the approval contributes to Wakefield Council’s climate goals, following the authority’s declaration of a climate emergency in 2019.
