Ings: Church roof solar panels rejected for being 'out of character'

The solar panels would have helped with the church's "financial security", an application said

Plans to install 28 solar panels on a Grade II*-listed church, to cut heating costs and become more environmentally-friendly, have been rejected.

An application was submitted to install solar panels on St Anne's Church in the village of Ings, near Windermere.

However, the Lake District National Park Authority turned down the plans.

Planning officials said the changes would "adversely impact on the character of the building and surrounding area".

The church had wanted to install solar panels in light of increased usage of the church and the high cost of energy.

It said the addition of panels would make the energy demands of the building 86% carbon zero, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Among concerns detailed by planning officers, their report highlighted that panels would cover the church's "existing weathered local slate".

"Its replacement with solar panels would represent a visual intrusion, disruption and contrast in the consistency of materials in the immediate area," the report said.

A heritage statement, submitted by the applicant, admitted that the proposed panels would have some impact on the view of the church from the south.

However, it said the plans would help the building meet the Church of England's net zero targets and positively contribute to the financial security of the church.

Planning officers stated that the public benefits were "not sufficient to outweigh the harm and impact" that had been identified. The decision was taken last Thursday.