Appeal for church solar panels after bid rejected

Plans to install solar panels at St Anne's Church were rejected by the Lake District National Park Authority

An appeal to install solar panels at a church has been lodged after the plan was rejected.

A government inspector will decide whether Grade II listed St Anne’s Church in Ings, near Windermere can install 28 solar panels in a bid to be more environmentally-friendly and reduce heating costs.

The appeal has been lodged after the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) turned down proposals over worries the panels would be "visually intrusive".

In planning documents, the church said it wanted to tackle rising energy costs.

A report from LDNPA planning officers said the public benefits were not sufficient to outweigh the harm and impact identified, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

A decision notice issued in November stated solar panels would represent a "visual intrusion, disruption and contrast in the consistency of materials displayed in the building and surrounding local area".

A heritage statement submitted by the applicant admitted the proposals would have some impact on the view of the church from the south, but added the plans would help the building meet the Church of England’s net zero targets.

In response to the plans, Historic England said it had "concerns" over the proposal's impact on the special architectural and historical character of the church.

It added: "The proposal would adversely affect the special character of the listed building to a moderate degree.

"We therefore emphasise the high grade of the listed building and the need to balance both climate change measures and the conservation of heritage."