Campaigners respond to approval of solar farm in North Yorkshire countryside
The solar scheme planned by Enso Energy and Cero Generation will be one of the largest in the UK
Last updated 4th Dec 2025
Campaigners have reacted with dismay at the Government's decision to give the go-ahead for a huge solar development in the North Yorkshire countryside.
Giving approval for the 1900MW Helios solar farm, Energy Minister Martin McCluskey said the scheme was a step towards making Britain a clean energy superpower.
But local residents living near the planned solar farm to the west of the village of Camblesforth, near Selby, have spoken of their sadness and disappointment.
The solar scheme planned by Enso Energy and Cero Generation will be one of the largest in the UK, covering 476 hectares.
The development, which will include a battery energy storage scheme (BESS), will connect to the grid via underground cable at the nearby Drax power station.
By issuing the development consent order, the government minister agreed with the planning inspector’s recommendation to grant approval.
In a report on the scheme, he concluded that the “national need” outweighed any potential adverse impacts.
The Energy Minister said: “Families in Yorkshire have seen their energy bills go through the roof as a result of our exposure to volatile gas prices. The only way to make British people better off in the long-term is by securing clean, homegrown power that we control.
“Giving the green light to the Helios Solar Farm is another step forward in our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower, creating jobs, driving economic growth and protecting family finances.”
Enso Energy managing director Bill Rees said: “We are delighted to receive confirmation that this project has received Secretary of State approval.
“It is an important project to deliver the UK government’s Clean Power 2030 targets and support the UK’s transition to home-grown renewable power.”
But a spokesperon for campaign group HALT, which was formed to fight the scheme were, said members felt “huge disappointment, frustration, despondency, extreme sadness and fear for their future” at news of the decision.
They added: “Many believe it to have been a foregone conclusion, given that their responses were sought but in most cases blatantly ignored, dismissed, or met with unsubstantiated assurances that they would be addressed satisfactorily but with no guarantees.
“Pure lip service has been paid to public consultation.”
The group added that the “ideological and politically imposed target to achieve net zero by 2030” had meant their concerns about the industrialisation of the rural area had been overridden.
The spokesperson added: “Many residents have expressed dismay that, having lived here all their lives or having moved to this area years ago to get away from urban life, they now find themselves to be soon living amidst an industrial landscape.
“Our physical and mental health and safety, nature, beautiful walks, views, wildlife, peace and contentment, all sacrificed on the altar of net zero.”
The Helios development is one of a number of solar farms proposed for the former Selby district that are currently going through the planning process.