Solar carport canopies at Car Park Royal Victoria Place, Royal Tunbridge Wells

What was proposed

The proposal was for 973 solar panels on steel carport frames over the roof-level parking areas, generating 408.37MWh annually.

“The application site relates to the roof level of the car park. This is an open roof split across three parking areas over levels 8, 9a and 9b. The application is for the installation of 973 450w solar panels which will generate a total capacity of 408.37MWh. The Planning Statement advises that this generated energy will provide approximately 33% of the shopping centre’s energy demand per annum, resulting in a carbon reduction of 78.97 tonnes.”

“Proposed Change (+/-) Land use(s) Public car park No change Car parking spaces 1196 1194 -2 No. of solar panels 0 973 +973 Height of car ports 0 2.1m +2.1m…”

Officer report

Earlier site history

Earlier permissions covered landscaping, the Royal Victoria Place development and the Victoria Road project.

“RELEVANT PLANNING HISTORY (including appeals and relevant history on adjoining sites): 90/01518/REM Reserved Matters - Landscaping Granted 14/05/91 88/01962/REM Reserved Matters - Royal Victoria Place development Granted 16/10/89 86/00343/OUT Victoria Road project Granted 22/07/87”

Officer report

Main planning effects

The canopies would be minimally visible, would not add harmful overshadowing or glare, and would remove two of 1,196 parking spaces.

“Visual impact and heritage assets 9.07 The 2.1m high carport canopies are constructed of steel frames. The canopies have been sited away from the edges of the car park to minimise visibility from the surrounding area. The canopies will not extend beyond the height of the car park building itself, and they would be viewed against the backdrop of the car park wall.”

“Loss of parking spaces 9.12 The proposals will result in the loss of two parking spaces in the car park, with a reduction from 1196 to 1194. SLP Policy TP4 seeks to prevent the loss of public parking spaces except in certain specific circumstances.”

Officer report

Who spoke

One registered speaker spoke as an objector and was identified as a local resident.

Members’ discussion

Members welcomed using solar energy at a commercial site and were told the panels were expected to provide a third of the shopping centre’s power.

“- A question was raised as to why wind turbines hadn’t been incorporated into this site as opposed to solar panels. Members were reminded to discuss the application before them and to discuss it on its own merits. - The solar panels were expected to generate a third of the power that was necessary to power the whole of Royal Victoria Place shopping centre.”

“- The application was highly welcomed to utilise solar energy on a…”

Minutes

The vote

Members voted eight in favour and one against the officer’s recommendation.

“Decision/voting – On the basis that members were satisfied that all relevant planning considerations had been covered within the report, a motion was proposed by Councillor Pound, seconded by Councillor Neville and a vote was taken to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was granted because members were satisfied that all relevant planning considerations had been covered, subject to the stated plans and conditions.

“RESOLVED – That application PLA223/25 be granted subject to the plans, conditions and informatives as set out in the agenda report.”

Minutes