Solar panels Trial eases rules on historic buildings

A NEW trial will allow homeowners in historic buildings in one part of Bristol to install solar panels more easily.

- Tristan CORK

Solar panels can now be put on some Grade-II listed houses and flats within the Clifton conservation area, as long as they can’t easily be seen from the streets below.

Bristol City Council has passed a new rule called a “local listed building consent order.” This means many homeowners in Clifton, an area with lots of old buildings, can install solar panels without having to apply for planning permission, an expensive and lengthy drawn-out process.

The plans were approved by councillors on the development control A committee on Wednesday, July 2. The order is a trial, and if successful could be rolled out across Bristol to reduce barriers to installing solar panels and increasing the use of renewable energy.

Conservative Councillor Richard Eddy said: “This seems to be a no-brainer and it has my full support. I'm sure it will prove successful and then we'll be able to roll it out citywide!