718 roof solar panels at Egerton Park Indoor Bowls Club Ltd, Egerton Road, Bexhill

“Report to - Planning Committee Date - 24 July 2025 Report of the - Head of Planning Subject - Application RR/2025/1125/PN3 Address - [the applicant] Club, Egerton Road, BEXHILL Proposal - Application to determine if Prior Approval is required for the installation of photovoltaic panels on roof of [the applicant] Club.”

“The application proposes to erect solar panels on the roof of Egerton Park Bowls Club. It seeks confirmation that Prior Approval is not required under the provisions of Schedule 2, Part 14, Class J of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended). It is recommended that Prior Approval is not required as the proposal meets all the criteria that is set out within the legislation.”

“Egerton Park, Bexhill is a large, 20-acre public park featuring a boating lake, children's play area, indoor bowls club and several tennis courts.”

“This application relates to the indoor bowls club building which is located on the west side of the park.”

“RR/90/2147/P Erection of clubhouse for indoor bowling and associated car parking with alteration to existing access. APPROVED CONDITIONAL”

“RR/2000/283/P Proposed extension at rear to enclose heating and ventilation unit and storage area. APPROVED CONDITIONAL”

“The limitations set out under Class J.1 in relation to the proposed solar panels is assessed below. (a) The solar panels would not protrude more than 0.2m beyond the plane of the roof slope. (b) The installation would not be on a flat roof. (c) The solar panels would not be installed within 1m of the external edge of the roof. (d) This criterion was deleted from the legislation in 2023. (e) The panels would not be installed on a site designated as a scheduled monument.”

“The panels would be sited on both sides of the dual pitched roof of the building which is constructed from corrugated metal. The building is an indoor sport and recreation facility with an external appearance that is reflective of this use. Given this use and that the building is constructed from modern materials, it is considered that the siting of solar panels would not appear at odds with the existing building or the landscape.”

“This application was presented to the Planning Committee as it was located on Council-owned land.”

“The Planning Committee was supportive of the officer’s recommendation, delegated to officers to clarify the wording of Condition 1 and adjust accordingly, if required.”

“Councillor Prochak moved the motion to GRANT (Full Planning Permission) subject to conditions and this was seconded by Councillor Stanger.”

“The motion was declared CARRIED (8 for / unanimous).”

“The PV panels and associated equipment to be installed at this site shall be removed from the building on which they are situated within six months of the cessation of their use.”

“Reason: To enable the Local Planning Authority to regulate and control development of the land in accordance with Schedule 2, Part 14, Class J.4 (1) (b) of The Town & Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 (as amended).”