Solar Farm Details
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.
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 recognize 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.
Project Details
➡️Location: Juniper Farm, 200m north of Weeton village
➡️ Size: 35 hectares (approx. 87 acres)
➡️ Components:
✔️ Ground-mounted photovoltaic solar panels (approx. 42,800 panels)
✔️Battery Energy Storage System (10MW) housed in large containers
✔️New switching station and substation
✔️2m high security fencing and extensive CCTV coverage
✔️Internal access tracks, lighting, and a meteorological station
As you can see the farm is almost twice the size of the village
Key Concerns
1. 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
.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.".
Our Community Response
The community of Weeton believes this is the wrong project, in the wrong place.
We support renewable energy, but not at the cost of destroying productive farmland, biodiversity, heritage, and rural life.
We call for renewable energy projects to be located on brownfield sites, alongside transport corridors, or on commercial rooftops, not on irreplaceable Green Belt farmland.
Say No to Juniper Solar Farm
✅ Protect our farmland
✅ Preserve our landscape and heritage
✅ Defend our public rights of way
✅ Safeguard our village's future
Stop Weeton Solar Farm
LEGAL
What Our Customers Are Saying
See Why The Smartest (And Happiest) Customers Choose Stop Weeton Solar Farm
“I tried getting solar with two other companies. Nobody gave me the service I needed until I found Stop Weeton Solar Farm. They gave me the best experience ever and I can’t recommend them enough!”
Jeff B, North Yorkshire
“Stop Weeton Solar Farm's panels are low profile, effective, and a great value for the money. They stand up to the crazy weather, and are not ugly on my roof!”
Dawn S, North Yorkshire
“Excellent experience. From the sales call to the installation and now the monthly savings I’m seeing on my electric bill. I highly recommend Stop Weeton Solar Farm.”
David F, North Yorkshire