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​​Welcome to the South Milford Parish Council website, the purpose of which is to update residents on the council's activities and share documents, including newsletters, minutes of meetings and financial information.  Please also follow us on Facebook.   

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There are links to, and information about, a range of organisations on the Village Amenities page, including the pop up Post Office in Grove House, a map showing the location of grit bins and lots of information about Public Rights of Way (PRoW).  If villagers wish to include links to other relevant organisations then please send requests to the Parish Council Clerk.​​

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Light Valley Solar update

Island Green Power is bringing forward plans for Light Valley Solar, a large scale solar panel and battery storage facility spanning over 1,020 hectares of agricultural land and 13 miles of cable corridors across Escrick, Hambleton, West Haddlesey, Monk Fryston and South Milford.  ​​We attach a summary document outlining the Light Valley Solar proposal - for more information from the developers perspective, please visit the website - www.lightvalleysolar.co.uk
 

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​Update 31/07/26

 

The Light Valley Solar (Island Green) proposal is currently in the 'Examination Stage' of the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) process.  During the last week of July 2026, South Milford Parish Councillors joined several other Parish Councils in attending the Examining Authority's hearings, to consider the proposal.

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Several hearings were held by the Planning Inspectorate over three days and included:

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Tue 28th July:   Preliminary Meeting and Compulsory Acquisition Hearing

Wed 29th July:  Open Floor Hearing

Thur 30th July:  Issue Specific Hearing

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For several months, we have been collaborating with 13 other Parish Councils, to identify and document the common themes and concerns, based upon the emails and letters received from local residents.  Details of which were presented at the ‘Open Floor’ hearing on Wednesday and will be submitted in writing by the due date, 11th August.

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The main issues were discussed in detail during the ‘Issue Specific’ hearing on Thursday and included subjects such as the:

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• Design of the scheme – site selection / construction / grid connection

• Use of Green Belt – assessment of green and grey belt options

• Noise and Vibration – noise emissions / impact on residents

• Traffic and Transport – A63/A162 capacity / construction and access routes

• Ecology and Biodiversity – habitat / noise disturbance

• Water Environment – flood risks / impact on water supply / fire water management

• Landscape and Visual Impact – landscape character / cumulative impact / screening

• Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) – layout / risks / demand for water / contingencies

 

For full details, please visit the Planning Inspectorate website:  https://national-infrastructure-consenting.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/EN0110012/project-updates

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Our next meeting will be held at 7:30pm on Tuesday 22 September at the Grove House, Sand Lane, South Milford.  Agenda will be displayed in the meetings section of the website once available.  ​​​​​