On 3 December 2025, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero signed the Helios Renewable Energy Project Order 2025, granting development consent for a nationally significant solar and battery scheme in North Yorkshire. The Order came into force on 29 December 2025 and allows Enso Green Holdings D Ltd to build, operate and maintain a ground‑mounted photovoltaic park with battery energy storage and a grid connection to National Grid’s Drax 132kV substation.

The project qualifies as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project by delivering more than 50 megawatts (AC). It was examined by an Examining Authority under the Planning Act 2008 and determined having regard to the relevant energy National Policy Statements, with the Secretary of State taking into account environmental information assessed under the 2017 EIA Regulations.

Nature recovery is embedded. A Landscape and Ecological Management Plan must deliver at least a 10% biodiversity net gain, calculated using Defra’s Statutory Metric (July 2025). The plan includes habitat creation, seasonal management and monitoring of ground‑nesting birds, with Natural England consulted and delivery maintained for the project’s lifetime.

Flood resilience is designed in. Before energising the battery and substation works, the developer must agree a flood management strategy with the Environment Agency, including a protection bund and ‘level‑for‑level’ and ‘volume‑for‑volume’ floodplain compensation so flood risk is not increased elsewhere. Standards are set against a design flood with climate‑change allowances for the 2080s.

Noise from plant is capped to protect neighbours. An operational assessment based on the final layout must demonstrate compliance with BS4142:2014+A1:2019, with rating levels not exceeding 40 dB LAr at night (23:00–07:00) and 50 dB LAr by day (07:00–23:00) at nearby homes. Where complaints are substantiated, additional mitigation must follow on a clear timetable.

Battery safety is explicit. A Battery Safety Management Plan must be approved in consultation with North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Environment Agency, addressing fire‑suppression infrastructure, water containment, bunding and procedures for handling and transport of cells throughout construction, operation and decommissioning.

Construction will follow a CEMP that manages dust, noise, vibration, waste, pollution control and community liaison. A Soil Resource Management Plan applies through construction, operation and decommissioning. Where trenchless techniques or piling are proposed-particularly near principal or secondary aquifers-hydrogeological risk assessments and foundation method statements are required.

Movement and access are managed from day one. A Construction Traffic Management Plan must be agreed with the highways authority, while a Public Rights of Way Management Plan minimises closures and sets out signage and publicity. The scheme also introduces permissive paths and information boards to retain local access where feasible.

Operational nuisance is controlled through an OEMP covering dust, noise and traffic movements, with a standing complaints procedure and liaison commitments. Temporary fencing used during construction must be removed as works complete, and permanent fencing finished before operation.

Grid integration is secured. The Order authorises an on‑site substation, 33 kV and 132 kV cable routes, and protective provisions with National Grid Electricity Transmission, National Gas Transmission and Northern Powergrid. Any rail crossing must use trenchless techniques, with Network Rail oversight through an asset protection process.

Aviation safety is addressed via a Glint and Glare Mitigation Strategy prepared in consultation with Burn Gliding Club. The strategy must be implemented as approved before operation to protect air users and local receptors.

Timelines and end‑of‑life are clear. Works must commence within five years, phasing is allowed, and the design life is 40 years. A decommissioning environmental and traffic plan must be approved 12 months before works, with decommissioning security confirmed by year 15. A supply chain, employment and skills plan is required to maximise local benefit, and financial security must be in place before any compulsory acquisition powers are exercised.