Solar panels and heat pumps at Churchdale Cottage, Baslow Road, Ashford In The Water

What was proposed

The application proposed solar panels on the garage roof, two air source heat pumps and internal secondary glazing.

“Planning permission is sought for the installation of solar panels on the south facing aspect of the garage roof, air source heat pumps to the house and partial secondary glazing.”

“It is proposed to install a number of solar collectors on to the South facing pitch of the roof to the Garage that was built in 2002, on the site of the previous Barn.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

Churchdale Cottage is a private, isolated Grade II listed property in rural surroundings, outside the Ashford Conservation Area.

“Churchdale Cottage is a Grade II listed property occupying an isolated rural position approximately 60 metres south of the A6020, opposite the junction to Great Longstone, and around three-quarters of a mile north-east of Ashford-in-the-Water.”

“The site lies outside the Ashford Conservation Area, and therefore is not subject to conservation area controls.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

The site has a history of approved applications including a greenhouse, internal alterations, barn conversion and garage works.

“March 2001 – DDD0301099: Conversion of hay barn to additional bedroom and alterations to outbuildings including reroofing and creation of garage – Granted Conditionally…”

“March 2001 – 0DDD0301100 : Listed Building Consent - provision of new main entrance, conversion of hay barn to additional bedroom and alterations to outbuildings including provision of garage – Granted Conditionally…”

Officer report

Why the solar panels concerned officers

The 20-panel array would be prominent from a public footpath, while a ground-mounted alternative was considered less harmful.

“The proposed roof‑mounted array would be clearly visible from the public footpath to the east due to its elevated position, scale, and proximity to the listed building. The panels would introduce a large, prominent, and non‑traditional feature in direct juxtaposition with the immediately adjacent listed cottage.”

“The Authority’s Supplementary Planning Document for Climate Change and Sustainable Building includes guidance on solar installations and emphasises that in cases involving historic buildings, ground‑mounted solutions are generally preferable, and that roof‑mounted panels on modern outbuildings should only be considered where no suitable ground‑mounted options exist.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The highway authority had no further comments, the parish council had no objection, and the built environment team objected to the solar panels.

“DCC Highway Authority: There appears to be no material impact on the public highway and therefore the Local Highway Authority (LHA) has no further comments to make.”

Officer report

What people said

Forty-seven letters supported renewable energy, climate action and sensitive energy improvements to older or listed buildings.

“Strong endorsement of renewable energy adoption, particularly small‑scale domestic solutions like solar panels and heat pumps.”

“Support for improving energy efficiency in older or listed buildings, acknowledging the challenges and praising efforts to modernise sensitively.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A supporter and the applicant spoke under the public participation scheme, and some members had visited the site.

What members discussed

Members discussed reflectivity, overshadowing, electricity generation, visual impact, carbon reduction and whether public benefits outweighed harm.

“The reflectivity of the roof mounted solar panels on the garage roof • Whether there would be over-shadowing of the solar panels from Churchdale Cottage and the impact on the electricity which could be generated • The impact of the solar panels and whether it enhances or harms the character of the area and the public benefit. • How to minimise the carbon footprint and minimize the impact of the array of solar panels.”

Minutes

Why the application was deferred

Members deferred the application so officers and the applicant could negotiate a solution minimising the solar panels’ visual impact.

“A motion to DEFER the planning application to allow for further negotiations to take place between the officers and applicant, in order to negotiate a solution which will minimise the visual impact of the solar panels, was proposed and seconded, put to the vote and carried.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee resolved to defer the application for further negotiations about the placement of the solar panels.

“To DEFER the application to allow for further negotiations regarding the placement of solar panels.”

Minutes