A beauty spot site just 3 miles north of Beverley could soon be home to a massive renewable energy development, as international energy company Orsted unveils plans for a 320MW solar power plant. The proposed Kingfisher Solar Farm is set to be one of the largest solar energy projects in the UK.
With an expected capacity of 320MW, the project qualifies as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project. If approved, the solar farm could be operational by 2030 and has the potential to remain in operation for up to 60 years.
In a key development, Orsted has proposed using the cable route already approved for its Hornsea 4 offshore wind farm to connect the Kingfisher Solar Farm to the Creyke Beck substation via an underground cable.
Community Consultation Announced
Local residents and businesses can have their say on the project during a public consultation period scheduled from February 3 to March 9. Feedback can be shared online or in person, with public presentations and events planned in towns and villages near the proposed site.
Randall Linfoot, Orsted’s programme manager for Kingfisher, emphasized the project’s significance, both for national sustainability goals and for the local community.
“Kingfisher Solar Farm will provide a significant contribution toward meeting the country’s ambitious plans to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050,” he said.
Linfoot added that the project aims to deliver tangible local benefits, including the creation of wildlife habitats, biodiversity improvements, and a community benefit fund.
“We will be investing in local initiatives and engaging small and medium-sized businesses in the area to see how they can secure work through our supply chain. We look forward to sharing more details on our proposals with local residents and businesses through this consultation,” he said.
Dates for public presentations and consultation
Lockington Village Hall, Chapel Street, Lockington, Driffield YO25 9SN on Monday, February 10 from 3pm to 8pm
Hutton Cranswick WI Hall, Main Street, Hutton Cranswick, Driffield YO25 9QR on Wednesday, February 12 from 3pm to 8pm
Cottingham Civic Hall, Market Green, Cottingham HU16 5QG on Friday, February 28 from 3pm to 8pm
Beverley Memorial Hall, 73-75 Lairgate, Beverley HU17 8HN on Saturday, March 1 from 12pm to 5pm.
Local objections
The idea of swapping farm land for solar panels is not new to East Yorkshire and local campaigner George McManus from the group Fields of Glass told the BBC that the plan amount to the “industrialisation of the East Riding” which will have a “massive impact on the character of the East Riding right across the county”.
Objecting : Fields of Glass campaign group
Orsted: Company website for Orsted