Solar panels on church roof at St Annes Church, Ings, Kendal

“Planning permission (7/2023/5474) was refused in November 2023 for the installation of a 28-panel array of solar PV panels on the south facing roof. An appeal against this refusal was lodged but dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate in October 2024 (see Appendix A).”

“This application now seeks planning permission for the installation of 22 surface mounted PV solar panels on the south facing roof.”

“St Anne’s Church is a Grade II* listed building within the settlement of Ings. The church is located to the south-western corner of the churchyard. The churchyard is bound by the A590 to the north and Church Lane to the east, south and west.”

“Lake District National Park Authority Development Control Committee – 5 August 2026 7/2026/5215 granted by the Diocese of Carlisle (Application reference 2023-087670) in May 2024. A condition of this judgment is that the works cannot take place until planning permission is granted.”

“The proposals would result in harm to the significance of a Grade II* listed building, would adversely impact on the outstanding universal values of the English Lake District World Heritage Site and would adversely impact on the character of the local area.”

“This would represent a visual intrusion, disruption and contrast to the consistency of materials displayed in the building and surrounding local area resulting in harm to the significance of the Grade II* listed building, an adverse impact on the outstanding universal values of the English Lake District World Heritage Site and adverse impact on the character of the local area.”

“We have received 44 representations of support which can be summarised as follows: • The number of solar panels proposed has been reduced. • Negligible damage to the roof. • Minimal visual impact. • Public benefit through reduced heating costs for the church and renewable energy. • Solar panels have been installed on other listed buildings. • The benefits of the scheme outweigh the harm.”

“We have received one comment which can be summarised as follows: • Solar panels are unattractive, particularly on an old church. • Would support the application if the panels were on the north-west roof or east roof.”

“The addition of this substantial solar array would largely obscure the existing greenslate roof from view. It would mask the visibility of this traditional, natural material, with its inherent uneven and weathered appearance, with a solid expanse of uniform panels with an engineered and artificial appearance.”

“In this instance, the panels would be installed on a prominent elevation and would be highly visible from Church Lane. The assessment of the proposals undertaken by the Authority, Planning Inspectorate and Diocese of Carlisle have all been consistent in concluding that such development would result in less than substantial harm to the significance of this Grade II* listed building.”

“After detailed discussion of whether the public benefit outweighed identified harm to the heritage asset, [name withheld] put forward a proposal to approve the application with conditions.”

“Motion to approve the application with conditions Proposed by [name withheld] by [name withheld] in favour of motion: Members against the motion: 3”

“Motion to approve the two conditions (a three-year time limit to commence development and requirement for removal if no longer required) as noted in the report.”

“Decided: To apply the conditions listed in the report…”