London based Rivington Energy, a renewable energy solutions provider, has announced it has secured planning permission at appeal for the 41 MW solar and 64 MWh BESS project at Whelly Hill Farm in Hartlepool. The project was first submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council in March 2023 but was refused in March 2025 even though officers recommended approval. Renewable Connections then launched an appeal to the Secretary of State in July 2025 on behalf of Gridserve, the project’s former owner. Rivington Energy completed the acquisition in September 2025. The appeal was supported by GP Planning, Bryan G Hall Transport Planning, and Ashfords LLP. The company said the project has provided grid-scale energy and storage capacity for local demand.