By John Baron
Plans have been submitted to install solar panels at a Grade II listed church in Horsforth.
St James Church, in Low Lane, is around 177 years old and church chiefs are wanting to install solar panels in the South Nave and South Aisle pitched roofs in a bid to make the church more energy efficient.
A heritage statement submitted with the proposals said the parochial church council is looking to re-roof the building and the solar panel proposals are part of that.
The statement added: “The significance of St James lies in its communal value as a place of worship and a centre in the community of Woodside. It is a loved and cherished church by those who use and have links to it, both current and historic.
“To maintain this St James must be viable both in terms of use and economics, and in doing so has a duty to reduce its impact on the environment. Repairing and maintaining the fabric, reordering and including renewables in the decision-making process will secure its future and position in the heart of community for generations to come.”
The report concludes: “It is considered the installation of solar panels on the North roofs will cause ‘less than substantial harm’ to the Listed building and its setting and should be weighed against the significant benefit to the environment and the sustainability of St James as a centre for the community of Woodside.”
The Victorian church building was designed by architect CW Burleigh and was consecrated in 1848.Â
The plans can be read in full here.
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