Proposals
Clean, renewable energy for our future generations
Enray is pleased to share early proposals for Molescroft Solar Farm, a new energy generation project that could power the equivalent annual energy needs of around 23,945 homes.
The proposed 40MW solar farm is being designed to support the UK’s transition to net zero while delivering real benefits for both the community and the local area.
Key features
Benefitting people and place
- The displacement of 12,097 tonnes of CO2 per year, equal to taking 2,630 cars off Yorkshire roads for every year of the project.
- Contributions in business rates of approximately £2.5 million to East Riding of Yorkshire Council over its lifetime, helping to fund essential local services and infrastructure.
- Support available for local projects and initiatives – genuine benefits for local residents.
- Biodiversity net gain that will significantly exceed the national requirement.
- The ability for continued agricultural use, such as sheep grazing, once the site is operational.
- Considerable biodiversity and ecological benefits including new hedgerows, trees and native species-rich meadow.
The site
Site location
The site is located to the north-east of Beverley within East Riding of Yorkshire.
Supporting the community
Help us shape a community benefit package
At Enray, we believe in building strong partnerships between our projects and communities. We are committed to ensuring that this solar farm delivers real and lasting benefits for local residents.
Whether that be through investment in green spaces, support for local initiatives or other forms of community enhancement, our goal is to create a positive legacy that goes beyond the generation of clean energy.
We would love to hear your thoughts on how this project could best support the local area. Please take a moment to complete our online survey and share your ideas. You might suggest ideas such as renewable energy for community buildings, funding for local charities or something entirely different that would make a meaningful impact.
Your feedback will help us shape a community benefit package that truly reflects local priorities. Full details of which will be made available through the subsequent planning application.
Biodiversity and ecology
Retaining hedgerows and creating new habitats
We are committed to protecting and enhancing the natural environment, with a focus on creating a thriving ecosystem that benefits both new and existing wildlife. The project is being designed with nature in mind, incorporating measures to protect and improve the natural environment for long-term ecological benefits.
Existing hedgerows and trees will be retained and strengthened, providing valuable habitats and natural screening. In addition, new hedgerows and native trees will be planted to further support birds, small mammals and insects, contributing to a richer and more diverse local ecosystem.
A range of measures will be introduced across the site including bird boxes, bat roost boxes, insect hotels and beehives to provide much-needed habitats for a variety of species. In addition, native species-rich meadow will be sown beneath and around the solar panels, creating a rich and diverse habitat for bees, butterflies and other important pollinators.
Agriculture
Continued sheep grazing and sensitive land management
The proposals are for a temporary development, with the solar farm expected to operate for up to 40 years. Throughout this time, the land will allow for agricultural use throughout, with opportunities for continued agricultural activity such as sheep grazing. At the end of its operational life, all infrastructure will be removed and the land will be fully restored to its original condition.
By reducing the use of pesticides and fertilisers, and adopting sensitive land management practices, the site will not only generate renewable energy but also become a valuable ecological asset, supporting wildlife throughout its lifespan.
Timeline
How will the project move forward?
Timeline is subject to change due to planning and consultation.
July 2025
Public consultation
August 2025
Review feedback
Autumn 2025
Submission of planning application for temporary development
Winter 2025
Expected planning determination
2026 onwards
Construction and energisation (subject to planning permission)