Major solar farm planned for land in East Yorkshire

Renewable energy company Statkraft has released further details of its proposed Mylen Leah Solar Farm, a scheme expected to generate around 500MW of electricity – enough to power the equivalent of 180,000 homes.

If approved, the development would be located between the villages of Seaton Ross, Melbourne, Laytham, Ellerton, East Cottingwith and Foggathorpe, on land on and around the former airfield at Melbourne.

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The solar farm would be connected to the national grid at Thornton Substation via an underground cable.

Developers say the scheme would play a key role in strengthening the UK’s energy security by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels, particularly at a time of global instability and rising energy costs.

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Matt Simpson, senior solar project manager at Statkraft, said the company was keen to engage with the community as plans progress.

He added: “We’re pleased to have the opportunity to share further details about Mylen Leah Solar Farm and look forward to speaking to local people as we finalise our proposals.

“In addition to delivering greater energy security and helping stabilise electricity bills, Mylen Leah Solar Farm would also offer tangible benefits, including opportunities for businesses in the area to register as local suppliers.

“Statkraft is also committed to delivering a community benefit fund for investment in local projects and initiatives, which would be open for applications once the project becomes operational.”

A statutory public consultation on the plans will run from Thursday (April 16) to Thursday (May 28), during which local residents, businesses and community groups will be able to view the proposals and provide feedback.

A series of in-person and online events is planned, including the following:

• Holme-on-Spalding Village Hall – Thursday (April 30) from 1pm till 8pm;
• Melbourne Village Hall – Wednesday (May 6) from 1pm till 8pm;
• Bubwith Sports and Leisure Centre – Thursday (May 7) from 12pm till 6.30pm.

Statkraft said: “All comments received during the statutory consultation will be carefully reviewed and analysed to identify key themes and issues, and to inform the further development of the proposals.

“An application for a Development Consent Order will then be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2026.”

More information about the project can be found here.