​Councillors Welcome Expansion of Money-Saving Green Energy Initiatives in the Region

Plans are underway to expand money-saving green energy initiatives in the region, with further solar canopies proposed for Beverley Leisure Centre, following solar panels on three East Riding schools, carports at the majority of East Riding Leisure Centres,  solar panels on over 300 council homes and replacement of 2,500 street lights.

The East Riding Liberal Democrats have strongly welcomed the move, highlighting that the ongoing project proves councils can successfully cut carbon emissions while simultaneously saving taxpayers' money.​

A Proven Success Across East Yorkshire

​Earlier in the year, solar carports were installed at leisure centre car parks across the East Riding, including sites in Beverley, Bridlington, Hornsea, Driffield, and Pocklington, as part of a project partially backed by Great British Energy, which contributed £350,000 toward the initiative.

​The leisure centres are projected to save approximately £100,000 a year on electricity bills. Furthermore, the initial phase of the scheme is expected to deliver 430,650 kWh of electricity annually across the sites, alongside advanced battery storage, and will cut carbon dioxide emissions by 426 tonnes over the next 25 years. The total cost of the initial project stands at £900,000.

In another project solar panels fitted to three schools in the region are expected to slash energy bills by approximately £71,000 each year, while reducing carbon emissions by 75,000 kg annually.

Following a successful pilot scheme and national industry recognition, a £2 million rollout of East Riding’s low-carbon street lighting project into more communities, replacing 2,500 street lights, is projected to save £5 million and cut 500 tonnes of carbon over the next decade.

Protecting Farmland While Generating Green Power

​The Liberal Democrats have championed the approach of utilising existing infrastructure rather than sacrificing valuable countryside for renewable energy projects.

​Highlighting the importance of sensible green infrastructure, Cllr Phil Redshaw, East Riding Liberal Democrat Environment Spokesperson, stated:

​“Put solar on roofs, not our best farmland. The East Riding is already showing it can be done, with panels recently going onto schools, leisure centres and council buildings. We should use our roofs and car parks before sacrificing our countryside.”

​With planning applications progressing for Beverley, the Liberal Democrats hope to see the council continue building on this momentum to secure long-term financial savings and environmental benefits for the region.


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