Solar array and heat pump at Rainbow Wood House, Widcombe, Bath

What was proposed

The application sought a ground-mounted solar array, underground ground-source heat pump boreholes and associated landscaping.

“REPORT The application refers to the Grade II Listed dwelling Rainbow Wood House, Widcombe Hill, Widcombe, BA2 6AX.”

“Planning permission is sought for the installation of ground mounted solar array and ground source heat pump closed loop underground borehole array, with landscaping…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is within the Green Belt, World Heritage Site, Conservation Area, Cotswolds National Landscape and a Site of Nature Conservation Interest.

“The site is located in the Green Belt and the curtilage of a Grade II Listed building, near to Grade II Listed terrace of Macaulay Buildings and a Grade II* Listed building situated within the site.”

“It is also within the Cotswold National Landscape, the wider Bath World Heritage Site, conservation area and an SNCI. It lies adjacent to a public footpath associated with the Bath Skyline walk.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because renewable energy and carbon reduction benefits outweighed identified heritage and Green Belt harm, subject to conditions.

“Where a development proposal will lead to less than substantial harm to the significance of a designated heritage asset, this harm should be weighed against the public benefits of the proposal including, where appropriate, securing its optimum viable use.”

“In this instance, the wider public benefits of the renewable energy generation and reduction in carbon emissions are found to outweigh the identified harms.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Most technical consultees raised no objection or supported conditions, while the World Heritage Officer objected because of harm to World Heritage Site value.

“Habitats Two areas of modified grassland will be impacted by the proposals. The area to the north of the site will be permanently lost, and the area to the south will be temporarily lost and reinstated within two years. The use of mainly native planting in the hedges and woodland edges scrub is supported. In addition, the recommended meadow planting, management and maintenance is welcomed and supported (CWS and Neil Ross, 2025).”

“In accordance with Paragraph 212 of the NPPF (2024), when considering the impact of a proposed development on the significance of a designated heritage asset, great weight should be given to the asset's conservation. This is irrespective of whether any potential harm amounts to substantial harm, total loss or less than substantial harm to its significance.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A local residents’ representative objected, the applicant supported the proposal, and a councillor presented ward councillors’ views.

What members debated

Members discussed the sensitive setting, visual impact, climate benefits, neighbour concerns, drainage safeguards, energy generation and whether the proposal was over-development.

“In response to Members’ questions, it was confirmed: 1. Officers had concluded that there was no harm to the Grade II* Listed Gothic Temple as it did not directly overlook the site and there was no intervisibility between the site and the temple. 2. The solar panels were predicted to generate 156,000kw of electricity and the dwelling had a recorded usage of 63,000kw hours.”

“Cllr Halsall acknowledged that the development was in a sensitive setting and sympathised with concerns of neighbours but commended the applicants on minimising the impact. He also gave consideration to the fact that B&NES Council had declared a climate emergency. He moved the officers’ recommendation to grant permission.”

Minutes

The vote

The motion was carried with seven members in favour and two against.

“On voting for the motion, it was CARRIED (7 in favour and 2 against).”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

Members delegated authority to grant permission after the amended conditions were published on the planning portal for seven days.

“Following advice from the Team Manager – Development Management, it was agreed that the amended conditions, as set out in the Officer’s presentation, would be published on the planning portal for 7 days before the decision notice was issued. Cllr Halsall agreed the revised wording and the motion was formally seconded by Cllr Simon.”

“RESOLVED that officers be granted delegated authority to grant permission subject to conditions, the details of which would be published on the planning portal for 7 days prior to the issuing of the decision notice.”

Minutes