The proposed Yorkshire Energy Park has moved one step closer to construction after securing permission from East Riding Council for a series of detailed planning applications.
Earlier this month, the council’s planning committee unanimously approved a Section 73 application, which details minor amendments to the outline planning consent granted in 2020. Last week, council officers approved two Reserved Matters Applications (RMA).
The first provided detail on the construction of a 13.5MW energy centre provided by Vital Energi, a 240-rack data centre, and a new access road including associated drainage infrastructure and landscaping. The second RMA brought forward the detail of an on-site Ecological Mitigation Zone (EMZ) earmarking nearly half of the site as a green space.
These applications aim to deliver domestic, secure energy generation in the Humber, protect and enhance the region’s green space and implement new technology for energy production that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent.
Located on land owned by its partner, Hull City Council, East Riding Council says the YEP will be a leading energy and technology business park, strategically positioned on the north bank of the UK’s “Energy Estuary” and in one of the Humber Freeport’s proposed tax sites.
Once completed, the park has the potential to create about 4,480 jobs, upskill local workers, create modern community sports facilities and an educational campus in conjunction with the University of Lincoln.
The project will attract investment in the energy, data, technology and manufacturing sectors to an area that has an abundance of skills and experience in these industries already.
Jo Barnes, director of Yorkshire Energy Park, said: “We are pleased that the committee has approved these applications that build on the outline consent YEP already has, taking us a step closer to delivering a state-of-the-art energy and technology business park adjacent to the port and within the proposed freeport tax zone.
“We are excited by the potential of Yorkshire Energy Park to bring new investment and jobs to the region and to support our local communities through our partnerships with the University of Lincoln and Vital Energi.
“Our work with key stakeholders in the South Holderness area has been building over the last few years as we are determined to bring forward something that our local community can be proud of.
“We are also committed to putting Yorkshire Energy Park at the heart of the UK’s ‘Energy Estuary’ and these applications are the next part of that journey. We will continue to work closely with the council and local community to deliver the next phases of YEP.”
Cllr Jonathan Owen, leader of East Riding Council, said: “This is an exciting next step for
an ambitious long-term project that will bring potentially transformative benefits to East Riding and the wider region in terms of jobs and investment.
“We look forward to seeing the project progress and their exciting emerging partnerships developing with Vital Energi and the University of Lincoln, which will create opportunities for local businesses and communities to thrive.”
Cllr Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said: “The Yorkshire Energy Park has great potential for the local area and as the landowners the council welcomes the recent planning consents.
“This project represents a unique opportunity to build on the region’s emerging green credentials and create a world-class energy hub on our doorstep.
“The council’s partnership with YEP is a further demonstration of the commitment to tackling climate change and embedding sustainability at the heart of what the authority does.”
