Help us take the next step

We've done the groundwork. Now we need professional help to make sure our case is properly heard.

For the past 16 months, local residents have worked together to scrutinise the proposed Stell Solar Farm and to make sure that the potential impacts on our community and the surrounding countryside are properly understood.

Together we've researched the application, examined technical reports, raised questions with North Yorkshire Council, commissioned independent reports, submitted representations and built a strong body of evidence.

We have now reached an important stage in the planning process with the Planning Officer confirming that he is aiming to determine the application before the end of 2026.

The Action Group has therefore decided to appoint a professional planning consultant with experience of advising community groups and scrutinising large solar farm proposals.

Their initial role will be to bring together the evidence we and others have already assembled, examine the planning application and consultation responses, identify the principal outstanding issues and prepare a focused planning objection for the Council.

This is about making sure that the considerable amount of work already undertaken by local people is put to the best possible use.

We now need your help

The estimated cost of this initial professional work is approximately £5000 , depending on the time required.

We are therefore asking people in Exelby, Bedale and the surrounding villages, and anyone else who cares about this area or simply believes that this is the wrong place for a solar farm, to consider making a contribution.

Every donation, large or small, will help.

If 100 people contributed £50, that would raise £5,000.

If 200 people contributed £25, that would do the same.

You don't have to be a member of the Action Group to help. And you don't have to live in the vicinity of the proposed development.

If you value the countryside around us, the character of our historic market town & villages and if you believe that major developments need to be properly examined before decisions are made, please

consider supporting our work.

How to donate

Please donate through Go Fund Me.

Donations can be made anonymously if preferred.

Please help us make sure the community's voice continues to be heard.

Donate if you can. Share this appeal if you can.

Thank you for supporting the work of the Stop Stell Solar Farm Action Group