Plans have been submitted to install 56 solar panels on historic almshouses in Harrogate town centre.
The Rogers Almshouses Trustees have tabled the proposal for the gothic-style grade two listed site, which was built in about 1868, on Belford Road.
In its plan to North Yorkshire Council, the trustees said the move would help to provide a “sustainable solution” for energy at the 14 houses.
The almshouses were a gift from George Rogers, Bradford textile manufacturer and Harrogate philanthropist.
Originally, 12 almshouses were constructed. Planning permission was granted for a further two one-bedroom houses in 2020.
The proposal would see solar panels installed at the site to help produce renewable energy for the homes, which are classed as affordable housing.
Planning documents submitted to the council said:
“The application proposes the introduction of 56 PV modules distributed across the eastern facing roof of the main almshouses building and the southern facing side of the bungalow to help meet the energy needs of the dwellings by providing a more sustainable solution through renewable energy sources.”
It added that the proposal would have “minimal visual impact” and would “protect the visual integrity” of the site, which is in the Harrogate Conservation Area.
A heritage statement submitted by architects Richard Eves in support of the application said:
“The proposal makes a significant contribution to the quality of the build environment in the locality and it will provide the charity with the valuable opportunity of further future proofing this historic building.”
North Yorkshire Council will make a decision on the plan at a later date.
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New residents for Harrogate almshouses after £200,000 upgrade
The Rogers’ almshouses in Harrogate have undergone a £200,000 refurbishment and welcomed three new residents.
Bradford mill owner George Rogers built the almshouses in 1868 for former employees when he retired to Harrogate.
They have provided low cost housing to people in need ever since.
Harrogate district mayor Trevor Chapman yesterday opened a new almshouse, which was created by converting an old laundry on the site.
Two other houses have been refurbished, meaning three new residents will move into the 15 dwellings, which are opposite St Peter’s Church of England Primary School on Belford Road.
The work was funded by a £95,000 grant by Homes England, which is the government housing agency, and funding from the Rogers’ Almshouse Charity, which owns the site.
The one-bedroom homes are run by a board of trustees, which includes the Dean of Bradford Cathedral, the vicars of Christ Church and St Peter’s Church in Harrogate along with a team of volunteers.
To qualify for an almshouse, residents must be aged over 60, have lived in Bradford or Harrogate for at least three years and meet hardship criteria.
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Guests from Homes England and the Almshouse Association were among those present at the opening of the new homes.
Schoolchildren from St Peter’s, who traditionally support the almshouses by carol singing and presenting gifts at Christmas, sang at the event.
Stuart Holland, chair of trustees at Rogers’ Almshouse Charity, said:
“The grade two listed building is admired by so many as they pass by.
“They look at the brown plaque, enjoy the award winning garden and dream of living in such beautiful houses.”