BOOM Power Secures Consent for 22.2 MW Solar Farm in Wakefield

BOOM Power has secured planning consent for the 22.2 MW New Hall Solar Farm project located in Overton, Wakefield, following an appeal that overturned the initial refusal by the Wakefield Metropolitan District Council.

The original application, rejected on six grounds, became more viable after the Local Planning Authority acknowledged a misclassification: the land in question lies within a “Grey Belt,” not the more restrictive “Green Belt,” easing the legal pathway. A public inquiry then thoroughly evaluated the environmental and heritage implications, including effects on prime agricultural land, landscape character, public rights of way, and proximity to a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Ultimately, the Planning Inspector determined that the scheme’s substantial contribution to renewable energy, biodiversity enhancements, and energy security outweighed any identified harms. This marks a significant advancement in the UK’s renewable energy efforts, reinforcing the role of well-justified solar projects in the national energy transition.