Battery plan fears over 'finest view in England'

North York Moors National Park Authority has concerns about the impact of the plans on the view from Sutton Bank

Plans for a battery energy storage site could damage a view described as "the finest in England" by vet and author James Herriot, according to national park chiefs.

The view from Sutton Bank in North Yorkshire was given the accolade by Alf Wight, who wrote the books that inspired TV series All Creatures Great and Small under the pen name Herriot.

North York Moors National Park Authority has objected to plans for a battery plant on a 173-acre site at South Kilvington, near Thirsk, which it said would be visible from the viewing platform at Sutton Bank.

Applicant NatPower said the scheme would play an essential role in delivering clean, secure and affordable energy.

More than 360 responses from the public to a consultation about the scheme have raised objections, with four responses lodged in support of the plans, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

South Kilvington Parish Council and Thirsk Town Council have also urged North Yorkshire Council to reject the battery energy storage system plans.

In an objection letter, a North York Moors National Park spokesperson said the development would be "visible at a distance of between 5 and 6km (3 to 3.7 miles) from key locations".

These include the "finest view in England" viewing platform near Sutton Bank National Park Centre and the top of Whitestonecliffe above Gormire Lake, they said.

The visitor centre received 146,347 visitors in 2024, with the views over the vale being its "unique selling point," the spokesperson added.

"The total number of battery units proposed (1,096) across the two battery compounds, and amounting in themselves to over 30,000m2 footprint, is very substantial," the letter said.

The authority also raised concerns about possible light pollution.

'Carefully designed'

NatPower's scheme includes plans for a nature recreation area with a wetland, ponds and outdoor education facilities.

The firm said it looked forward to working with all statutory consultees as the application progressed.

A spokesperson added: "Our proposals have been carefully designed to minimise any impact on the surrounding area, including views from the North York Moors National Park."

"We are committed to ensuring that our plans respect the local landscape, and we will provide further details in subsequent reserved matters applications in line with planning requirements."

The planning application has not yet been decided by North Yorkshire Council.

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