Solar panels on church at St Giles Church, Kilmington, Axminster

What was proposed

The application proposed ten black solar panels on the church’s south aisle roof as the first phase of a wider decarbonisation strategy.

“WardNewbridges Reference 26/0629/FUL ApplicantMrs A Crabbe LocationSt Giles Church Whitford Road Kilmington Axminster EX13 7RF ProposalInstallation of 4.5kW solar PV array (10 x 450W black panels) on south aisle roof, forming Phase 1 of a phased decarbonisation strategy including battery storage.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The Grade II* listed church is in the village conservation area, with the panel location visible from nearby churchyard paths and partly screened from the road.

“The proposal is the installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels on the south aisle roof of a Grade II* listed church. The church lies within the Conservation Area and Built-Up Area Boundary of Kilmington. The surrounding churchyard is designated as open space. The PV panels would be black with black frames and they would be flush-mounted on top of existing concrete red-brown coloured roof tiles.”

Officer report

Earlier site history

Earlier permissions covered a new porch at the church and an extension to the burial ground.

“PLANNING HISTORY (Applications which do not relate to the church or burial ground itself are not listed below)”

“Approve 22/12/05 96/P1396 Change of use of agricultural field to form extension to burial ground Approve 13/11/96”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended refusal because the panels would cause moderate harm to the listed church and the public benefits did not outweigh that harm.

“Conclusion The proposed PV array would not affect open space or have a harmful amenity impact and it would provide public benefits, including carbon reduction and cost savings for a community facility and listed building (thus contributing to the building’s long term viability).”

“The southern façade of the Grade II* listed St Giles church makes a strong contribution to its significance and the proposed installation of an array of PV panels would introduce a noticeable modern feature within this façade which would be clearly visible at close range from public viewpoints and would appear incongruous within this façade.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Historic England raised concerns about the panels’ prominence, while the conservation officer assessed moderate harm and said alternative options had not been sufficiently explored.

“19/6/26 (Further comments from Historic England following consultation on the agent’s response to their initial comments, dated 3/6/26, which included further supporting reasoning and examples of listed churches where roof mounted PV panels had been permitted). Historic England recognises the work done to inform the agent’s response.”

“Conservation The likely harm to the conservation area is considered to be low, although its character would not be preserved or enhanced. With regard to the impact on the Grade II* listed St Giles church, great weight should be given to the conservation of this building and any harm requires clear and convincing justification.”

Officer report

Public views

No objections were received, while four supporters cited carbon reduction, lower costs, community use and limited effect on the building’s historic appearance.

“Other Representations No representations raising objections have been received. 4 representations support the proposal. The points raised are listed below.”

“The proposal would: - Reduce the carbon footprint of St Giles church and contribute to the church of England’s aim to be net zero; - Help the church to reduce its costs; - Enable the church to continue to provide a lit and heated space for local groups to use, in addition to providing a place of worship; - Be unobtrusive and would not significantly impact on the historic appearance of the building.”

Officer report

Support during the meeting

Members speaking in support described the proposal as modest and reversible and said it would help secure the church’s long-term sustainability.

The committee vote

The committee approved the application contrary to the officer recommendation.

“RESOLVED: Approved contrary to officer recommendation.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved because members considered the limited heritage harm outweighed by the community and sustainability benefits.

“Members speaking in support of the application considered that the proposal represented a modest and reversible intervention that would assist in securing the long- term sustainability and viability of the church. It was noted that the building had evolved over time through successive alterations and adaptations, and that the proposed works would form part of that continuing process.”

Minutes