Two Harrogate primary schools to install solar panels

Rossett Acre Primary School and Oatlands Junior School are to install solar panels on their roofs to generate renewable energy.

Plans were approved by North Yorkshire Council this week to install the technology under permitted development rules, which don’t require full planning applications.

Rossett Acre will see around 120 panels installed with a capacity to generate up to 50.90 kWp of renewable electricity.

Around 48 panels will be installed at Oatlands with a capacity to generate up to 20.40 kWp.

Schools have been particularly affected by the rise in energy bills with the National Education Union warning last year that children’s education could suffer as headteachers face extra cost pressures.

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From April, the government extended its energy support for schools by a further 12 months but it only applies to those paying the highest gas and electricity rates.

Both Oatlands and Rossett Acre are part of the Red Kite Learning Trust. Its estates manager Samantha Shuttleworth wrote in planning documents about both applications:

”It is considered that the proposed solar panels would be complementary to the character of the building.

”The visual appearance of the solar panels on the roofed area is considered appropriate for the school building, thereby enhancing the visionary appearance of the site as an up-to-date centre for learning, creating responsible citizens for tomorrow’s world with an appreciation for their surroundings and a duty of care for the environment.

”It is considered that the panels could have a positive impact on the character of the building and no overall detrimental impact on the surrounding area.”

Newby Hall plans solar panel scheme to generate renewable energy

Newby Hall Estate near Ripon has tabled plans for a solar panel scheme to help generate renewable energy.

In proposals submitted to North Yorkshire Council, the estate has earmarked arable land outside the historic park and gardens for the project.

It would see four rows of solar panels installed which would generate 142,145kW hours per annum.

The estate estimates that the scheme could save 28.5 tonnes of carbon emissions per year.

In documents submitted to the council, Carter Jonas, which is acting on behalf of Newby Hall, said the proposal was designed to complement the estate’s existing hydroelectric scheme in the River Ure.

It said:

“The proposed solar scheme is designed so that when the hydroelectric scheme isn’t generating as much energy in the summer, the solar panels will provide an additional renewable supply. 

“During summer, the water levels in the river typically reduced, meaning sometimes the hydro scheme does not run at all – this season is when the demand for the visitor attraction peaks and therefore the generation profile from solar will complement the hydroelectric scheme.”

North Yorkshire Council will make a decision on the plan at a later date.

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Plan for 32 solar panels on Coppice Valley school

A plan has been submitted to install 32 solar panels on Coppice Valley Primary School in Harrogate.

Red Kite Learning Trust, which runs the school, has lodged the plan with North Yorkshire Council.

It would see the panels installed on the school’s roof to generate 13.6 kwp of renewable energy. 

In documents submitted to the council, the trust said it felt the panels would help to enhance the character of the building.

It said:

“It is considered that the proposed solar panels would be complementary to the character of the building. 

“The visual appearance of the solar panels on the roofed area is considered appropriate for the school building, thereby enhancing the visionary appearance of the site as an up-to-date centre for learning, creating responsible citizens for tomorrow’s world with an appreciation for their surroundings and a duty of care for the environment. 

“It is considered that the panels could have a positive impact on the character of the building and no overall detrimental impact on the surrounding area.”

North Yorkshire Council will make a decision on the proposal at a later date.

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Ripon Together steps up bid to make city greener

The next step in an environmental initiative launched in late January by the community interest company Ripon Together will be taken on Monday (February 27).

The not-for-profit organisation, which has 150 members, brings people together on projects that improve Ripon.

A meeting starting at 7pm in Thorpe Prebend House, High St Agnesgate, is open to all who want to make Ripon a better place to live through the reduction of carbon impacts.

On the agenda will be plans for a Green Fair in the summer and discussion to agree how to take forward work in the areas of energy efficiency and renewables, waste, recycling and litter and nature, biodiversity and access.

Simon Hewitt, a Ripon Together director, said:

“The first meeting was great.  It was really well attended and lots of good ideas emerged.  We want to start real action to take those forward.

“That is what the second meeting is for and why we want as many people and bodies as possible to get there.  It would be great if people could spread the word and let us have their ideas on these issues either at the meeting or by emailing info@ripontogether.com”.

Mr Hewitt added:

“Lots of people are already doing their bit, whether it is litter-picking, recycling, path clearance or reducing their use of plastic or other packaging.  Ripon Together wants to bring groups together to make this even better, encourage more volunteering and tackle new challenges.”

Since the first meeting on January 30,  Ripon Together has bid for funding for a feasibility study into placing solar panels on many of the city’s schools and installing more charging points for electric vehicles.

 

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Business breakfast: Solar plans for business park near Harrogate

Now is your time to shine with the Stray Ferret Business Awards. Businesses of all sizes from right across the Harrogate district can enter our awards free of charge and get recognition from our panel of top judges. Entries close at 5pm on January 16. Get your entry in now! 

A business park between Harrogate and Ripon hopes to install solar panels in a bid to reduce its energy bills and carbon footprint.

Oakwood Park Business Centre has applied for planning permission to create the ground level panels on grass at the north-eastern end of its site.

Acting for owner Alan Cryer, in planning documents submitted to Harrogate Borough Council, Arrowsmith Associates said:

“The applicants intend to begin generating electricity to supply the business park and (when possible) feed into the national grid.

“Recent increases in fuel and power costs have intensified their desire in this regard and this application therefore seeks permission for a proposal to install photovoltaic cells (and associated infrastructure) to facilitate such electricity generation.”

The plans are for three rows of photovoltaic panels set away from the business park’s office buildings.

As an all-inclusive serviced office provider, Oakwood Park covers the cost of energy supplies to its buildings for occupants.

Its Fountains Road site, near Bishop Thornton, began as a family home and furniture business, and has been expanded over the years to offer more space for tenants.

The application documents added:

“The granting of permission for this small renewable electricity generation scheme will ensure the continued support of this business site in a rural area, encouraging the retention of office space on site and the potential growth of businesses on site in key sectors.

“This in turn ensures that the site continues to provide an alternative to town centre business sites, supporting the aim of providing a diverse range of sites.”

To view the application, visit the planning pages of Harrogate Borough Council’s website and use reference 22/04725/FUL.

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Free advice for new businesses

Free support is on offer to new and growing businesses to start the new year.

Harrogate Borough Council’s economic development unit is working with the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub and Ad:venture to deliver three drop-in sessions.

Taking place at HBC’s Co-Lab workspace in Springfield House, above Harrogate Convention Centre, they will offer support to anyone with an idea for a new business or questions about running and growing an existing business.

Anyone seeking help to set up, buy or access finance for a business can call in between 9am and 5pm next Wednesday, January 18, or on February 15 or March 15.

Alternatively, for advice outside these times, email the business team.

Meanwhile, a series of free marketing masterclasses is on offer through York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub.

Delivered by Intandem Communications, they will help business owners plan their marketing for 2023 to enable them to reach their target audience.

The webinars begin in late January and places can be booked via the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub website.

Fountains Abbey plans solar panels in effort to reduce fossil fuel reliance

Fountains Abbey has submitted plans to introduce solar panels at its attraction in an effort to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

The National Trust, which owns the site near Ripon, has lodged the plan with Harrogate Borough Council.

It would see the 34kW panels installed on the roof of its visitor centre to generate electricity.

In documents submitted to the council, the trust said the plan was part of its commitment to reduce reliance on fossil fuels at a time of high energy prices.

It said:

“This proposal will reduce the reliance on imported electricity and reduce fossil fuel sources, and in future will enable funds to be directed to other goals such as increased efforts in environmental protection and conservation.

“At a time when the cost of energy is extremely high the organisation is looking at creative ways to minimise the impact on the charity as well as make meaningful change for the environment.”

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The trust had initially proposed to implement 105 panels on the roof, but later reduced this to 95 to preserve the character of the building.

It is hoped the panels will contribute 28,000kWh of electricity to the site each year and help the trust reach its carbon net zero target by 2030.

Harrogate Borough Council will make a decision on the plan at a later date.

Fears in Scotton that gigantic solar farm will spoil picturesque village

Residents in Scotton are mobilising against plans to build a solar farm the size of 150 football pitches that they believe will spoil their picturesque village.

UK energy firm Gridserve is behind a proposal to build the solar farm on fields belonging to Lawrence Moor Farm.

Thousands of solar panels would generate up to 49.9 megawatts of green energy that could power up to 14,000 homes.

The village on the outskirts of Knaresborough has a population of around 600 people.

Scotton resident Richard Tallis, who has lived in the village for 12 years, has distributed leaflets to villagers and said 165 people have responded to say they are opposed to the plans.

Two public footpaths would be surrounded by solar panels if they were passed.

Mr Tallis said:

“We’re not against solar farms, just put them in the right places.

“Agricultural land should be used for agricultural purposes.

“There’s a strength of opinion around the village opposing it.”

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The main site where Gridserve wants to put the solar panels is bound by the narrow country roads Low Moor Lane and High Moor Lane. It is also opposite the village primary school.

Mr Tallis said he fears the roads are ill-equipped to cope with eight months of construction traffic whilst the site is built.

He said he is not a “NIMBY” but feels that solar farms should be built on the edge of motorways and away from residential areas.

“I accept there will always be people that criticise us for opposing it.

“But there are other sites that are more suitable, not on the edge of a picturesque green village.”

Net-zero

This morning the UK government published its flagship energy strategy. It wants the country to produce most of the energy it uses through renewables.

It says the UK will increase current solar capacity by five times before 2035.

A spokesperson for Gridserve said:

“Matters of proximity, visual impact and access throughout the construction and operation of the Scotton solar farm will be integral parts of the forthcoming planning and design process.

“We hope we are able to proceed with the next design phases in an open, collaborative approach that involves members of the local community and other statutory and non-statutory stakeholders”

Plans approved for 264 solar panels at Bilton caravan park

Plans have been approved to install 264 solar panels at Bilton Park Village Farm to produce green electricity for its park homes and caravan.

The owner of the site lodged an application to Harrogate Borough Council for the solar panels which would be capable of producing 90,471 kWh of electricity a year.

The site, on Bilton Lane, is a popular holiday location for people wishing to explore Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Now, the borough council has approved the installation of the panels.

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Planning documents submitted to the authority say the park wants to improve the environmental impact of the business and the solar panels would reduce its carbon footprint by around 31 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.

The panels would cover 454 square metres of field next to the park.

The documents say that around 30% of the electricity generated will be exported back to the National Grid so it can be utilised by the public.

It adds:

“This means that the public can also utilise electricity which has been generated by renewable energy, further reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and power stations.

“The installation of the solar PV system would not solely serve the applicant but would also benefit other households.”

Bilton caravan park bids for 250 solar panels to produce green energy

Bilton Park Village Farm hopes to install 264 solar panels to produce green electricity for its park homes and caravans.

The site, on Bilton Lane, is a popular holiday location for people wishing to explore Harrogate and Knaresborough.

The owner of the site has now submitted a planning application to Harrogate Borough Council for the solar panels, which would cover 454 square metres of a field next to the site.

They would be capable of producing 90,471 kWh of electricity a year.

Planning documents say the park wants to improve the environmental impact of the business and the solar panels would reduce its carbon footprint by around 31 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.

It also says that around 30% of the electricity generated will be exported back to the National Grid so it can be utilised by the public.

It adds:

“This means that the public can also utilise electricity which has been generated by renewable energy, further reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and power stations.

“The installation of the solar PV system would not solely serve the applicant but would also benefit other households.”

Harrogate Borough Council will decide on the plans at a later date.

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Green light for 1,000 solar panels on Harrogate Convention Centre roof

More than 1,000 solar panels are to be installed on top of Harrogate Convention Centre in a bid to reduce the building’s carbon footprint.

Harrogate Borough Council has approved its own plans for 1,077 solar panels on several buildings at the venue, which is the largest energy consumer of all buildings in the district.

The solar panels will save 24 tonnes of Co2 each year and be paid for with £375,000 of decarbonisation funding from the government.

Energy efficient lighting, air source heat pumps and insulation will also be installed at the venue, which hosted a business conference event as part of the first Harrogate Climate Action Festival on Friday.

A council spokesperson said:

“The grant is enabling the delivery of a fully-funded carbon reduction scheme, supporting the proactive delivery of our carbon reduction strategy and reducing the council’s annual carbon emissions by 70 tonnes per year.”

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Using cash from the same decarbonisation scheme, 420 solar panels and air source heat pumps will also be installed at the Hydro swimming pool in Harrogate in a move that could reduce the venue’s annual Co2 emissions by 577 tonnes.

Harrogate District Hospital also received £14m to reduce its carbon footprint by 25%, while North Yorkshire County Council was awarded just under £2m to improve the efficiency of its buildings.

How the solar panels will look on top of the Harrogate Convention Centre.

Meanwhile, Harrogate Borough Council is pushing ahead with plans for a potential £47m redevelopment of Harrogate Convention Centre after warning it may not survive without major investment.

The 40-year-old venue was struggling financially before the pandemic and was used as a 500-bed NHS Nightingale hospital for almost a year.

It did not treat a single coronavirus patient and the facility was dismantled earlier this year.