Burges Salmon has advised OnPath Energy on the conditional sale of Barnsdale Solar Park to Octopus Renewables Infrastructure Trust plc. The clean energy facility, located between Kippax and Allerton Bywater east of Leeds in West Yorkshire, is expected to generate enough electricity for up to 19,000 homes each year once operational. It is also expected to provide approximately £1 million in community benefits over its lifetime and achieve a 106% biodiversity net gain. The transaction remains subject to closing conditions being met, marking the next development phase for the project.

Conditional Sale Supports Project Progress

OnPath Energy, described as a leading UK renewables developer, has agreed the sale of Barnsdale Solar Park to Octopus Renewables Infrastructure Trust plc. The London-listed diversified renewables infrastructure company is managed by Octopus Energy Generation.

The agreement gives the solar project a route into its next phase while retaining the conditions that must be satisfied before the transaction closes. Barnsdale Solar Park is positioned in an area east of Leeds, between Kippax and Allerton Bywater, placing the development within West Yorkshire’s energy infrastructure.

Burges Salmon advised OnPath Energy through a multidisciplinary team spanning corporate, energy, construction, real estate, planning and tax expertise. The deal reflects the range of legal work required when renewable energy assets move between developers and infrastructure investors.

Solar Capacity For Local Homes

Once operational, Barnsdale Solar Park is expected to generate sufficient electricity to meet the annual requirements of up to 19,000 homes. That projected capacity places household electricity supply at the centre of the project’s stated purpose.

The development is scheduled to connect to the National Grid through the nearby Ledston Primary electricity substation. Grid connection is a defined part of the project’s planned delivery, linking the facility to the electricity network serving the area.

Its location and connection plans make the project a practical example of renewable generation being developed alongside established local infrastructure. The expected generation figure also offers a clear indication of the scale intended for the completed solar park.

Community And Biodiversity Commitments

Alongside electricity generation, the project is expected to deliver approximately £1 million of community benefits over its lifetime. Barnsdale Solar Park is also expected to achieve a 106% biodiversity net gain.

These commitments sit alongside the project’s clean energy role, combining planned power generation with stated environmental and community outcomes. The figures provide measurable targets for the development as it moves through its next phase.

The proposed biodiversity net gain is particularly notable because it sets out an outcome above the site’s existing baseline. Together with the community-benefit commitment, it gives the project a broader local focus beyond its anticipated electricity output.

Legal Team Behind The Transaction

The Burges Salmon team was led by Corporate partner Danny Lee and solicitor Jenny Purcell. Alec Whiter and James Phillips supported from the Energy team, while James Horton contributed construction expertise, alongside specialists in real estate, planning and tax.

Jenny Purcell, Solicitor at Burges Salmon, said:

“It has been a privilege to support OnPath Energy on the conditional sale of Barnsdale Solar Park. We are delighted to have played a part in this important renewable energy project and look forward to seeing it move into its next phase of development.”

The firm’s involvement covered the conditional sale of a project that brings together generation, grid connection, planning and construction considerations. Its team advised across several specialist areas needed for the transaction.

Next Phase For Barnsdale

The proposed sale places Barnsdale Solar Park with Octopus Renewables Infrastructure Trust plc, subject to the transaction’s closing conditions. Once operational, the project is expected to provide renewable electricity for up to 19,000 homes annually.

With its planned National Grid connection, community-benefit commitment and stated biodiversity target, the development has set out a clear local contribution alongside its clean energy capacity. The next phase will determine how those commitments progress as the project advances.