Four-year fight for Leatherhead solar panel plan

Solar panels could be installed in the car park of Leatherhead Leisure Centre

A four-year fight to install solar panels in Leatherhead Leisure Centre car park has left those behind the green project both “disappointed and very excited”.

Mole Valley District Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and has been trying to decrease its carbon emissions ever since, with the goal of reaching net zero by 2030.

Now, a pilot scheme set to be approved has left some wishing for a “far more expansive” roll out, after funding was approved to cover just 20 bays.

Electricity from the panels will be used to help power the leisure centre although it will fall well short of delivering its full need, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

It is anticipated the electricity generated annually by the solar panels will be about 2.7% of what the centre uses.

Cabinet member for climate change Councillor Claire Malcomson said: “I’m disappointed and very excited about this because at long last we’re going to be doing it, I would love it to be far more expansive but it is only a pilot therefore hopefully it’s going to open some really good doors for us.”

Final sign off on the plans is dependent on cabinet approval.