Rivington Energy today announced it has secured planning permission at appeal for a recently acquired co-located solar & Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project, Whelly Hill Farm, in Hartlepool.   The 41MWp solar and 64MWh BESS project is one of three projects Rivington Energy acquired from solar & BESS operator Gridserve earlier this year.

Whelly Hill Farm was submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council in March 2023.  The application, which was recommended for approval by Council officers, was refused at planning committee in March 2025.

Renewable Connections, part of the Rivington Energy group, launched the appeal process for Whelly Hill Farm to the Secretary of State on behalf of Gridserve, in July 2025.  Rivington Energy subsequently completed the acquisition of the scheme 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 said: “Whelly Hill Farm is a well-designed project that will deliver a significant amount of clean energy and storage capability to the grid and industrial off takers.  Our team have successfully delivered over 1.25GW of consented renewable energy projects since 2021 and are passionate about delivering innovative energy solutions to support the transition to net zero.”

The Rivington Energy team have an extensive track record of delivering initiatives with positive environmental and social impacts.