Councillors from Bath and North East Somerset Council have approved plans for a small but contentious solar farm near the scenic Bath skyline trail. The project, proposed by retired professor Dr Alyson Warhurst, involves installing 320 solar panels on the grounds of her Grade II listed residence, Rainbow Wood House.
The solar array is designed to generate approximately 120% of the household’s electricity use, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. Dr Warhurst emphasized the environmental benefits, stating that the installation would save over 30 tonnes of carbon annually—equivalent to the carbon absorption of around 1,400 mature broadleaf trees. Occupying only a quarter of an acre, the panels would be well screened within the property’s greenbelt setting.
However, local residents raised serious concerns about the size and placement of the installation, arguing that it would have an adverse visual impact on one of the city’s most sensitive landscapes. An opposition group went as far as launching a professional-appearing website, savebathskyline.com, to rally resistance. The site clarified their stance was not against solar energy itself but that this particular project was the “wrong size in the wrong place.” A total of 185 objections were submitted.
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Sasha Berezina of Context Planning, representing the objectors at the planning committee meeting, highlighted the importance of preserving the visual integrity of Widcombe Hill’s surroundings. She stated, “Supporting renewable energy does not mean that any proposal in any location of any scale is acceptable.”
Despite the objections, the council’s planning officers recommended approval. Although the solar panels were deemed “industrial” in appearance and categorized as “inappropriate development in the green belt,” the overriding climate benefits tipped the balance in favor of granting permission. Liberal Democrat councillor Fiona Gourley acknowledged the tension, emphasizing the urgent need to address the climate crisis while respecting community concerns.
Councillor Toby Simon expressed his support by underscoring the minimal impact on the protected area in contrast to the significant energy efficiency gains for the historic property. Instead of granting immediate permission, councillors delegated authority to planning officers to finalize the approval after public consultation on proposed ecological conditions, ensuring ongoing community input.
The decision marks a notable example of the complex balancing act between heritage preservation, community sentiment, and advancing sustainable energy solutions in heritage-sensitive areas.