Yorkshire Battery Plant Threatens ‘Finest View in England’ say Residents

Park officials dislike a big battery plan that could ruin a famous view. James Herriot called it “the finest in England.” The North York Moors park filed an objection targeting the plant near Thirsk.

NatPower wants to build the battery system, saying Belmoor will aid clean energy. The project covers 173 acres. People strongly oppose the plan; over 360 objections were submitted, while only four people support it.

Two local councils also object. South Kilvington and Thirsk want rejection. The park needs a full visual impact report because officers think the plant will be visible from Cleveland Way. Roulston Scar and Sutton Bank would have views, and Whitestonecliffe above Lake Gormire is another spot.

Sutton Bank visitor center is very popular, drawing 146,347 visitors in 2024. The views are its greatest asset. The plant has 1,096 battery units, covering a huge area of over 30,000m2.

The units could be highly reflective and look like industrial buildings. These buildings would harm the park’s setting because they’d be too close to the park’s border.

The park fears light pollution, too, as distant industrial sites are already visible in the Vale of Mowbray. The Leeming units are easily seen now.

NatPower wants to work with authorities to minimize any impact. Their design should respect the area, and they will refine plans later on, following all planning rules.

James Herriot loved the Sutton Bank view. Alf Wight was his real name. He called it England’s best view in his book about Yorkshire.