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19
Jan
Historic Harrogate church applies to fit solar panels to roof
A historic church overlooking the Stray in Harrogate has applied for planning permission to fit solar panels to its roof.
The grade two listed Trinity Methodist Church, which is near The Oval and the Prince of Wales roundabout, intends to fit photovoltaic units on part of its slate roof to help meet its energy needs.
Other nearby churches, including Killinghall Methodist Chapel and New Park Chapel have already installed solar panels.
This is not the first time the church has shown an interest in renewable energy. When it was refurbished in 2010-11, it was fitted with an air-source heat-pump, as well as new heating and lighting systems and a building management system.
An architect's drawing showing where the solar panels would go. Image: White Rose Architectural Ltd.
The plans have not yet attracted any objections and are supported by Historic England, which said in a heritage statement submitted to the council:
There is little or no visual impact from the front of the building and no impact on access to the building during or after installation, as all the required work is to the rear of the building.
The Victorian Gothic church was built at the behest of some of the trustees of Wesley Chapel in central Harrogate, in a location chosen for its proximity to the large hotels that had opened to accommodate Harrogate's growing spa trade. It first opened for worship in 1879.
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