Listed Buildings And Solar Panels in the Boroughs of Kensington And Chelsea

In spring 2022, Kensington and Chelsea Borough Council were the first Local Planning Authority to allow solar panels on any of its Grade II and II* listed buildings (with the exception of ecclesiastic buildings). Nearly a year later, they are taking this a step further, as they propose to also allow window upgrades to late twentieth century windows in Grade II listed buildings.

The borough of Kensington and Chelsea in London consists of over 3,800 listed buildings. This is approximately 1% of all listed buildings in England. In Spring last year, the borough brought forward a new order, permitting owners of Grade II and II* to install solar panels without Listed Building Consent. This has been designed to significantly reduce the delay and complication caused from the usual channels of Listed Building Consent which is still a requirement across the rest of the country. 

Having identified their building stock as predominantly late nineteenth and early twentieth century, Kensington and Chelsea have concluded that the vast majority of their listed buildings have the ability to accommodate new solar PV technology without harm to the buildings or their special historic interest. This decision comes with some caveats to ensure that visibility of the solar panels remains minimal. This specifies that panels must be positioned on the roof only, facing away from the road, and that they cannot be raised more then 20cm from the original roofline. Details of the installation must also be submitted to Kensington and Chelsea for a certificate of Lawful Works, however this is a far quicker and less complicated process then the submission of a full Listed Building Consent application.

Justifying the order, Kensington and Chelsea Borough council state that; 

“[Solar] Equipment of this kind is likely to become commonplace within the townscape as the imperative for carbon reduction measures increases and becomes part of everyday life. …. The Council wishes to encourage the installation of solar panels in the borough without having the barrier of the listed building process to discourage their installation.”

Arguments of potential harm to the historic buildings have been addressed in the order. They argue that the public benefit of tackling climate change greatly outweighs the possible harm to the building. This is an argument which is often dismissed by Local Planning Authorities.

The first annual report to share the uptake levels and learning with other councils is expected in the spring. It is likely that the feedback from this will be positive, as the council have not wasted any time in bringing forth their next Listed Building Consent Order. Consultation has recently closed on a new order to allow the replacement of all late twentieth century single glazed windows in Grade II listed buildings, with timber framed double glazing units of the same design.

Kensington and Chelsea Borough Council have positioned themselves at the forefront of progressive environmental planning in the heritage sector. We look forward to their report on the outcomes of this order and hope it may encourage other local planning authorities to take a similarly proactive approach to tackling climate change.

If you would like more information about fitting solar panels or double glazing to your listed building, our heritage team are on hand to help. Please contact Phoebe Farrell on 07775 925358 email phoebe.farrell@berrys.uk.com.