High Court Dismisses Legal Challenge, Ensuring Woolley Solar Farm Progress on 10th June 2026

The High Court has recently dismissed a legal challenge that aimed to overturn planning consent for the Woolley Solar Farm, located near Woolley Grange, east of Bretton Hall. This decision, announced on 10th June 2026, was welcomed by BOOM Power, the company behind the project. The Court's ruling confirms that the Wakefield Metropolitan District Council acted lawfully when it granted permission for the solar farm, which is expected to play a significant role in the UK's transition to renewable energy.

What is the Woolley Solar Farm?

The Woolley Solar Farm is a large-scale solar energy project that covers approximately 51 hectares of land. It was approved in August 2025 as part of the UK’s broader efforts to develop low-carbon energy infrastructure. Solar farms use panels to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity, providing a clean and renewable source of energy.

The Legal Challenge

The legal challenge was brought by a local resident who raised several concerns about the planning process. The claimant argued that the council should have reopened public consultation after changes were made to the application in early 2025. They also pointed to updates in national planning policy, particularly the introduction of the “grey belt” classification in the revised National Planning Policy Framework, as a reason for their objections. The judge examined these arguments closely and found that there was no legal requirement for the council to conduct further consultations. The Court noted that interested parties had already been given enough opportunity to provide their feedback on the revised proposals, which included the updated policies.

Heritage Concerns Addressed

Another significant point raised in the legal challenge involved concerns about potential impacts on heritage sites. The nearby Bretton Hall Registered Park and Garden, which is listed as a Grade II site, was a focal point in the discussion. The judge acknowledged that while some parts of the council's report could have been clearer, this did not constitute a legal error that would invalidate the planning decision. In other words, the potential heritage impacts were considered adequately during the planning process.

Response from BOOM Power

Mark Hogan, the Founder of BOOM Power, expressed satisfaction with the Court's decision:

“We welcome the Court’s decision, which provides further certainty for the Woolley Solar Farm project and confirms the robustness of the planning process.”

Hogan emphasised the importance of the project in contributing to the UK’s renewable energy capacity and net-zero goals. He also mentioned that the company is currently waiting for confirmation of grid connection dates for the solar farm.

Next Steps for the Woolley Solar Farm

With the legal challenge dismissed, BOOM Power can now move forward with the project. The solar farm is expected to provide a significant boost to local energy production, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change.