Drove Lane Solar Farm Secures Planning Approval for 49.99 MW Project Near Wawne in Yorkshire, UK

East Riding of Yorkshire Council granted planning permission on 16 October 2026 for Drove Lane Solar Farm, a 49.99MW solar development planned on land east of Kenley House Farm, near Wawne, in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

The decision followed a detailed planning process that examined the proposed design, landscaping, ecology, flood risk, and associated infrastructure for the site. Lighthouse Property Holdings Ltd handled the application through the planning process, acting on behalf of BOOM Power, which owns and is developing the project.

Scope of the Consent

Under the approval, the scheme will feature ground-mounted solar photovoltaic panels with an installed capacity of 49.99 MW AC, together with transformer substations, underground cabling, perimeter fencing, CCTV, internal access tracks, and supporting infrastructure.

Landscaping, biodiversity net gain measures, and a dedicated ecological mitigation area also form part of the development. The design has been shaped to accommodate renewable electricity generation while accounting for the surrounding landscape and local environmental sensitivities.

Conditions attached to the consent cover construction management, drainage, flood risk, landscaping, biodiversity, and the eventual decommissioning and restoration of the site.

Habitat Measures Tied to Humber Estuary Designations

Central to the scheme is a dedicated ecological mitigation area, backed by habitat management measures aimed at benefiting bird species associated with the Humber Estuary Special Protection Area and Ramsar site.

The developer says these provisions are intended to minimise disturbance to wildlife and support long-term habitat management alongside the development. The approved landscaping proposals call for the introduction and maintenance of hedgerows, shrubs, and trees to help the solar farm blend into its setting.

Additional measures governing construction activities, lighting, and the protection of ecological features are set out through the planning conditions.

Design Responds to Floodplain Setting

Flood risk and drainage shaped the approved design. Among the measures are raising solar arrays and sensitive infrastructure in identified areas and installing open-mesh boundary fencing so water can move across the floodplain.

Taken together, these provisions create a framework for managing the site's environmental considerations across construction, operation and eventual restoration.

Developer Points to Grid Reform for Delivery Route

Mark Hogan, Founder of BOOM Power, described the approval as an important milestone. He said the scheme reflects the detailed work involved in developing renewable energy projects that respond to the characteristics of their location and the needs of the surrounding environment.

According to Hogan, work at Drove Lane has included careful consideration of local ecology, habitat management, landscaping, and flood risk, and the consent provides a clear framework for moving the project forward while addressing these matters.

He added that the company looks forward to progressing the next steps, with a focus on securing grid connection timelines through the ongoing grid reform process, which he described as an important step in establishing a clear route towards delivery for the project.

With permission now in place, BOOM Power will advance Drove Lane Solar Farm through the next stages of development in line with the approved plans and planning conditions.