Skipton church could see solar panels installed

Holy Trinity Church in Skipton

North Yorkshire church officials are hoping to install a heat pump and solar panels in a bid to become more environmentally friendly.

Grade I listed Holy Trinity Church in Skipton could have its current gas heating system replaced.

According to the Parochial Church Council, it is currently the biggest emissions source at the church.

The plans are part of the Church of England's target of reaching net-zero emissions on its properties by 2030.

The plans, submitted to North Yorkshire Council, detail a host of measures aimed at improving the sustainability of the building, which dates from the 14th Century.

The existing gas heating system at Holy Trinity Church failed in late 2022 due to "severe leaks" from the cast iron pipework buried under the floor of the church, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Exploratory excavation indicated that all the buried pipework was in a similar condition and was unsuitable for reuse in any future heating system.

Solar panels would be placed in the churchyard and a new doorway would be fitted at the south entrance to reduce draft into the building.

The church considered placing the solar panels on the roof but concluded that they would be better in the churchyard as it would not harm views of the building and the panels would enjoy the most exposure to the sun.

The cafe's entrance would also be widened to improve wheelchair accessibility.

North Yorkshire Council will make a decision on the plans at a later date.