The solar farm will support the generation of more than 50MW of electricity.
The Helios project, a joint development by Enso Energy and Cero Generation, is located in North Yorkshire, specifically west of Camblesforth and north of Hirst Courtney. In addition to the solar arrays, the project will include the construction of grid connection infrastructure to integrate the generated electricity into the national grid.
Enso Green Holdings, the company behind the application, submitted its proposal to the Planning Inspectorate in July 2024. The application was accepted for examination the same month. The examination process allowed for public participation, enabling statutory consultees and other interested parties to provide input and evidence to the Examining Authority.
After a six-month examination period, recommendations were submitted to the Secretary of State on September 3, 2025. The Examining Authority took into account all the evidence, including local perspectives, before making its recommendation. The final decision to grant development consent was made by Martin McCluskey, the Minister for Energy Consumers, acting on behalf of the energy secretary.
Bill Rees, managing director of Enso Energy, expressed his satisfaction with the approval: "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 homegrown renewable power."
The Helios project is seen as a significant step toward achieving the UK's clean energy goals, providing renewable power that will contribute to the country's energy transition.
