The panels would have an area of about 66sqm and would nearly fill the south aisle roof of the grade II listed mid-19th century building. The inspector observed that the numerous individual slates which covered the roof gave it a distinctive texture, created a variety in its colouring and did not reflect sunlight. In contrast, the panels would each be large, and would be a uniform colour with a glazed reflective finish. He judged that they would be at odds with the roofscape and would appear as modern discordant elements that were alien to the building’s appearance and compromised its historic character.
He noted that the proposal would provide renewable energy that would supply the church and, on occasions, the grid. Finance arising from the panels would assist in the upkeep of the building and would allow the delivery and expansion of the church’s community activities, he was told. The church might struggle to support its parish and community work without the cash flow. However, the inspector found that there was little substantive evidence to demonstrate the importance of the revenue. As a result, he was not satisfied that this money would be of sufficient benefit to overcome his concerns.
Inspector Jeremy Sargent; Written representations
