Photovoltaic roof system at Hart District Council, Fleet

“Development Management Committee – 22 April 2026 Application Reference: 26/00441/GPDSND Address: Hart District Council, Harlington Way, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 4AE Description of Proposal: Application for prior approval for the installation of photovoltaic (PV) system utilising a fixed rail system to the pitched roof. Applicant: [the applicant] for comments: 16.04.2026 Expiry date: 30.04.2026 Recommendation: Grant Prior Approval…”

“The proposal is an application for prior approval for the installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels utilising a fixed rail system to the roof of the building. The proposed solar panels would be installed on the east, south-east, north-east and south-west facing roof slopes. There are already solar panels on the west and south-west facing roof slopes of the building.”

“Description of the site The proposal relates to the Hart District Council Civic Offices on Harlington Way in Fleet town centre. The host building is a four-storey office building dating from the 1980s with a roughly L-shaped footprint. The host building is in a part of the town centre which has a civic character and is located close to Fleet Library, The Harlington Centre and the offices of Fleet Town Council.”

“Relevant planning history None of relevance.”

“Class J(c) development is permitted subject to the condition that before beginning the development the developer must apply to the local planning authority for a determination as to whether the prior approval of the authority will be required as to the design or external appearance of the development, in particular the impact of glare on occupiers of neighbouring land, and the following sub-paragraphs apply in relation to that application.”

“Considering the points discussed above, the proposed solar PV equipment is considered to comply with the technical criteria of Class J and is considered to have an acceptable impact in terms of design and external appearance, including with regard to the potential glare impacts on occupiers of neighbouring land. It is therefore recommended that Prior Approval is required and granted.”

“The Principal Planning Officer summarised the application for prior approval for the installation of a photovoltaic system utilising a fixed rail system to the pitched roof at Hart District Council Offices, Harlington Way, Fleet, Hampshire GU51 4AE. The development was before the Committee for consideration because it related to a building which was owned by the Council.”

“The recommendation was proposed by Cllr Oliver (Chair) and seconded by Cllr Worlock. In a show of hands, the Committee voted unanimously to approve the recommendation.”

“The Committee agreed to grant prior approval for the installation of a photovoltaic system utilising a fixed rail system to the pitched roof at Hart District Council Offices, Harlington Way, Fleet, Hampshire GU51 4AE.”