More than 90 per cent of respondents to a local survey have expressed opposition to plans for the proposed Clean Air Solar Farm near Walkington, with concerns centring on the scale of the development, the loss of productive farmland and the cumulative impact of major infrastructure projects across the wider Beverley area.
The proposed development would cover around 2,500 acres of countryside near Beverley and would include solar panels, battery storage infrastructure and associated cabling connected to the planned Wanlass Beck substation.
Graham Stuart MP launched the survey following meetings with local residents in Walkington and discussions with the developers behind the scheme.
The survey has now received more than 80 responses, with the overwhelming majority opposing the plans. Many respondents stressed that they were not opposed to renewable energy in principle, but were deeply concerned about the scale of development being proposed and the long-term impact on the character of the area.
One respondent wrote: “We all want clean energy, but this is simply too much countryside to industrialise in one go.”
Another said: “It feels like project after project is being pushed into the same area without anyone looking at the bigger picture.”
Others warned about the long-term impact on the area’s identity and character, with one resident writing: “People move here because of the landscape and the rural character. Once that changes, it cannot easily be undone.”
Respondents also repeatedly raised concerns about pressure on local roads, the future of tenant farming families and the loss of productive agricultural land.
Graham has praised the work already undertaken by the newly formed Skidby, Little Weighton, Bentley and Walkington Action Group, led by local resident David Hume.
The group has rapidly established a detailed and highly professional programme of engagement with the developers, including work on farmland classification, biodiversity, construction traffic, battery storage systems, decommissioning plans and community benefit proposals.
Local resident Rebecca Webb said: “These are not empty fields waiting for development. They are productive agricultural land which has supported local farming families and food production for generations.
“People understand the need for secure energy, but they are also asking a fair question about how much productive countryside communities like ours are expected to give up and what that means for the long-term future of farming in East Yorkshire.”
Graham said: “What has impressed me enormously is the serious and professional way local residents have organised themselves. David Hume and the wider Action Group have worked incredibly hard to create a thoughtful and well-informed process for local engagement.
“This is not about shouting slogans. Residents are asking detailed and reasonable questions about what this proposal would mean for the future of these villages and the wider East Yorkshire countryside.
“For centuries these communities have been shaped by farming, countryside and rural life. People are now being asked to consider a major industrial energy development on their doorstep and it is absolutely right that they expect clear answers and proper consultation before decisions are taken which could reshape this area for generations.
“Britain needs secure and affordable energy, but communities are entitled to ask whether the scale and concentration of infrastructure in East Yorkshire is becoming too much.
“My role is to support local residents in making their voices heard, ensure proper scrutiny of the proposals and make sure concerns about cumulative impact, agricultural land and the future character of the area are fully understood.
“At the same time, if this proposal is to proceed, local people must see genuine long-term investment in the communities expected to host this infrastructure. That conversation needs to begin now, not at the end of the process.
“I would strongly encourage everyone, whether they support or oppose the proposal, to take part in the consultation process and make their views known.”
ENDS
Public consultation events on the Clean Air Solar Farm proposals will take place at:
• Lockington Village Hall, Chapel Street, Lockington – Monday 22 June, 3pm to 7pm
• Beverley Memorial Hall, Lairgate, Beverley – Tuesday 23 June, 3pm to 7pm
• Walkington Village Hall – Wednesday 24 June, 3pm to 7pm
• Online webinar – Monday 29 June, 7pm to 7.30pm
Residents who wish to share their views directly with Graham can do so at:
grahamstuart.com/Walkington
More information:
https://www.grahamstuart.com/news/skidby-little-weighton-and-walkington…
Notes to editors:
Selected anonymised responses from the survey include:
• “Walkington is a farming village, not an industrial energy park.”
• “The countryside around Beverley is being asked to absorb too much infrastructure too quickly.”
• “We are not against renewable energy, but this proposal is simply too large and in the wrong place.”
Further anonymised responses are attached
