Statkraft announces public consultation on new solar scheme in East Riding of Yorkshire

Statkraft, Europe’s largest generator of renewable energy has shared further details about its Mylen Leah Solar Farm proposals. The planned scheme, of approximately 500MW, would generate enough home-grown renewable electricity to power the equivalent of up to 180,000 homes.

Mylen Leah Solar Farm 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. It is proposed that Mylen Leah Solar Farm would be connected to the electricity grid at Thornton substation via an underground cable.

If consented, it would represent a significant bolstering of the UK’s energy security, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels at a time of increasing global uncertainty and energy crises.

The statutory consultation on Mylen Leah Solar Farm runs from Thursday 16 April to Thursday 28 May 2026. Statkraft will be inviting local residents, businesses and community organisations to view and provide feedback on the proposals at a series of events, both in person and online.

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.

Further information about the project and the consultation events can be found at www.mylenleah-solar.co.uk.

Matt Simpson, Statkraft’s Senior Solar Project Manager, said: “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.”