Rivington Energy Secures Planning Approval On Appeal For 41MWp Solar + 64MWh Storage Project Acquired From Gridserve

Rivington Energy announced that it has secured planning permission on appeal for its recently acquired co-located solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project at Whelly Hill Farm in Hartlepool. The project, which includes a 41MWp solar installation and a 64MWh BESS facility, is one of three projects the company purchased from solar and storage operator Gridserve earlier this year. The Whelly Hill Farm proposal was originally submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council in March 2023. Although council officers recommended the project for approval, the planning committee ultimately rejected the application in March 2025.

In July 2025, Renewable Connections, a company within the Rivington Energy group, submitted an appeal to the Secretary of State on behalf of Gridserve. Rivington Energy completed the acquisition of the project in September 2025. The appeal was supported by GP Planning, Bryan G Hall Transport Planning, and Ashfords LLP. Jonathan Plumb, Chief Operating Officer at Rivington Energy, stated that Whelly Hill Farm is a thoughtfully designed project that will provide substantial clean energy generation and storage capacity to the grid and local industrial users.

He noted that the company has successfully secured consent for more than 1.25GW of renewable energy projects since 2021 and remains committed to delivering innovative solutions that support the transition to net-zero emissions. Rivington Energy continues to build on its strong track record of developing renewable energy initiatives that deliver meaningful environmental and social benefits.