Go-ahead for solar panels at Chester Magistrates Court

A proposal by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to erect 62 panels was rubber stamped by Cheshire West and Chester Council last week.

There were no comments made in response to the application during the consultation period.

The MoJ's proposal is part of plans to assist the Government in reducing carbon emissions across its estate.

The planning application, submitted on behalf of the MoJ by AHR Building Consultancy Ltd, stated: "It is anticipated that the court will use all of the power generated.

"However the option remains for the install to be connected to the national grid.

"The install is believed to be discreet with no visual impact on the building and surrounding streets and properties."

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In a report recommending appoval, council case officer Edward Shepherd said: "The building was constructed in the 1990s and is viewed as having limited architectural character or historic significance of its own merits.

"n relation to the wider conservation area, due to the building’s mansard roof design, the siting of the panels, set back from the edge on the flat roof and the fact that the panels only project 30cm in height (as low as possible) this means that the solar equipment would generally be completely obscured from view at ground level.

"Similarly, in relation to other buildings or long-range views, given the separation distances, height and scale of the court building and the proposed solar panels, their instillation on the flat roof section means that the panels would be of very limited visibility.

"It is conceded that the panels would be readily visible from upper floor levels in the HQ building, and there may be some glimpses at other sites, however the siting, scale and colour of the panels would generally mean that they appear discreet and visually harmonious against the existing grey roof.

"As such, it is considered that the proposal would not be visually intrusive and has been carefully designed, preserving the character and appearance of the conservation area.

"The applicants supporting environment statement indicates that the panel would provide the court with all the power generated, with the proposal submitted as part of the Ministry of Justices efforts to assist the Government in meeting reduced carbon emissions across the estate.

"However, the option will also be available for the equipment to be connected to the national grid with any excess power generated sold back for green energy to be supplied back."