Protect Weeton
Say No to Industrial Solar in Our Village
This website has been set up to share our concerns about the proposed solar farm in the village of Weeton, North Yorkshire, with it's significant visual impact, transport issues, impacts on local heritage and impact on green belt land.
This is NOT an anti-solar campaign, we believe that large industrial solar farms should be located on former industrial sites or next to motorways, not on greenbelt used by walkers and locals.
Please check back regularly for updates. Once the planning application is submitted, we will provide detailed guidance on how to structure your objection effectively. It's vital that each of us submits a well-formed, legitimate objection to ensure our voices are heard.
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Proposed Development
Abei Energy is proposing to build a large-scale solar farm and battery energy storage system (BESS) at Juniper Farm, north of Main Street and east of Woodgate Lane in Weeton , North Yorkshire. This development would be larger than the village itself (see map)
The proposed development covers approximately 87 acres (35 hectares) of mostly productive farmland and would introduce an industrial solar installation into what is currently a cherished rural, agricultural landscape.
While we all recognise the urgent need for renewable energy, the community of Weeton believes that this proposal threatens the very character, biodiversity, and social fabric of our village.
Why are we objecting?
We fully recognise the pressing need to transition to renewable energy, and we believe solar farms have an important part to play in creating a greener future. However, the siting of these projects must be sensitive and respectful, making use of already industrialised land, rooftops, and transport corridors wherever possible, rather than sacrificing precious farmland and unspoiled countryside.
The proposed development at Juniper Farm is on a scale that would utterly transform the landscape, overwhelming Weeton and the surrounding villages and stripping the area of its rural character. Such a vast industrial installation in a place of such beauty and agricultural value would not only affect residents but all those who visit and cherish the countryside.
The scale and location, clearly visible on the map on this page, make it abundantly clear that this is the wrong place for a project of this magnitude.
Key Concerns
Loss of Agricultural Land - The proposed site is classified mainly as Grade 3 Agricultural Land, good to moderate quality and historically productive. National policy favours using poorer quality land for such developments. Losing 87 acres of valuable farmland, especially in a time of growing food security concerns, contradicts government policy
Landscape and Visual Harm - The land is part of high-value Green Belt* countryside, offering sweeping views, including from beauty spots such as Almscliffe Crag* and the Harewood Estate*. Industrializing this landscape with glass panels, fencing, and lighting will severely degrade its character and visual amenity.
Heritage Impacts - The site lies close to several heritage assets, including the Grade II listed Church of St Barnabas* and Rougemont Castle*, a scheduled monument. The setting of these important sites will be damaged.
Public Right of Way Threatened - A public footpath (15.140/7/1) runs directly through the middle of the site. Fencing and nearby infrastructure like the battery storage units risk destroying its open character, reducing enjoyment for walkers, horse riders, and cyclists.
Traffic, Access, and Safety - The construction phase alone is estimated to last 43 weeks, bringing HGVs and heavy equipment through narrow, rural lanes. These lanes are heavily used by farmers, horse riders, cyclists, walkers, and families. This creates serious safety concerns.
Flood Risk - The site contains Weeton Beck and Running Beck, and sections lie within Flood Zone 2 and 3 . It is also at
high risk of surface water flooding . Solar developments can worsen flood risks if not carefully managed, and concerns have been raised about inadequate flood assessment.
Biodiversity Loss - Although the developers claim to retain hedgerows and trees,
the scale of the development risks harming local habitats. Veteran trees, protected species, and existing ecosystems may suffer despite proposed "biodiversity enhancements.
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What Our Customers Are Saying
See Why The Smartest (And Happiest) Customers Choose Stop Weeton Solar Farm
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