Church's solar panels appeal dismissed

Plans to install solar panels to a Grade II listed village church have been turned down.

The Planning Inspectorate dismissed an appeal from St Anne's Church to fit 28 solar panels after ruling the proposals would "harm" the significance of the building.

It comes after the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) refused the planning application from the church, in Ings, near Windermere, Cumbria, in November.

The church had said it wanted to tackle rising energy costs.

A report said the proposed addition would help the "long-term financial and environmental sustainability" of the church, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

However, it added: "Set against this, I have identified harm to the significance of this important listed building.

"This harm relates to the erosion of the visual coherence of the southern elevation, a key aspect of the special interest and significance of the building and a focal point for the village of Ings."

The applicant admitted the proposals would have some impact on the view of the church, but would help meet the Church of England's net zero targets and positively impact its financial security.

A decision notice, issued by the LDNPA, stated the solar panels would be a "visual intrusion" on the building and surrounding area resulting in an "adverse impact on the outstanding universal values of the English lakes World Heritage Site".

Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].