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

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

“It is proposed to install two air source heat pumps, to be located on the West façade at the rear of the Stable block, towards the garden, against areas with a blank area of wall.”

“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 property stands within approximately 1.5 acres of land, including garden areas and open grounds that reinforce its rural character and historic relationship with the surrounding landscape. There are no neighbouring residential properties in close proximity, and the site benefits from a high degree of privacy.”

“June 2014 – NP/DDD/0614/0603: Listed Building consent - internal alterations - additional support for horizontal beam in breakfast room – Granted Conditionally…”

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

“Harm to the Setting of the Listed Building The proposed roof‑mounted solar array, by virtue of its scale, elevated position and visibility, would cause avoidable less‑than‑substantial harm to the setting and significance of Grade II listed Churchdale Cottage. A feasible ground‑mounted alternative exists that would reduce this impact, and no justification has been provided for selecting a more harmful option.”

“Non‑Compliance with Renewable Energy Policy CC2 Policy CC2 supports renewable‑energy development only where it is sensitively sited and designed to avoid adverse effects on the National Park’s valued characteristics. The siting of the solar panels on the garage roof results in unnecessary harm to the setting of a designated heritage asset, contrary to the requirements of CC2.”

“The Planning Officer presented the report and outlined the reasons for refusal as detailed in the report. There was an update regarding the application and the Planning Officer explained that it has been established that the installation of the solar panels on the garage roof does not require Listed Building Consent.”

“The air source heat pumps and the secondary double glazing to the cottage are not harmful and provide public benefits by enhancing the sustainability of Churchdale Cottage , therefore the application is recommended for approval subject to conditions.”

“A motion to approve the application for Listed Building Consent for the air source heat pumps and secondary double glazing to Churchdale Cottage was moved and seconded, put to the vote and carried.”

“The LBC application is APPROVED subject to the following conditions:”

“No development relating to the installation of the air source heat pumps shall commence until full details of their siting, method of mounting, and connection to the existing heating system have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Peak District National Park Authority. The development shall thereafter be carried out in accordance with the approved details and retained as such thereafter.”