Solar panel plan for roof of historic church

If approved, the new solar panels would not be visible from the ground, with energy generated being used in the building.

Almost 50 solar panels could be installed on the roof of a 19th-century church, under new plans.

Westborough Methodist Church, in Scarborough, has applied to add 48 panels to the Grade II listed building and to fit a battery storage system in the sub-basement.

According to planning documents the panels would not disturb the existing slates and would not be visible from the ground.

The works would be partly funded by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority Net Zero Fund.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, because the church is in active use it is subject to ecclesiastical exemption "which means an application for listed building consent is not required".

The applicant said: "The use of high quality and visually equivalent materials means there is little if any impact on the conservation area and less than substantial harm to the listed building.

"The installation of solar PV panels is evidence of the church's commitment to climate justice and to reduce our carbon footprint."

North Yorkshire Council has not set a date for deciding on the application which is currently pending consideration.

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