Heavens above! Anger over solar panels plan for Cambridge chapel
IT IS one of the most striking buildings in Britain, surviving Oliver Cromwell and two world wars unscathed.
But now King’s College Chapel in Cambridge may have its iconic look spoiled amid controversial plans to plaster its roof with hundreds of solar panels.
The 15th century gothic chapel’s lead roof is currently being replaced and while the scaffolding is up the college plans to add 492 panels, which could produce 105,000 kWh of energy a year.
But opposition has already flooded in ahead of its application being considered by the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning committee at the start of next month.
Historic England has recommended the plans be rejected, saying the panels would look out of place on the Grade-I
listed chapel, which hosts annual Christmas and Easter carol services televised by the BBC, and would be a stark contrast to the existing roof.
Meanwhile, Cambridge City Airport wants the application refused because it is worried about glare from the panels
affecting its operations. The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings said: ‘While we are supportive of the principle of the proposal, we do not consider the justification for the harm caused to be sufficiently robust in this case.’
Locals are also opposed to the plan. Dave Harrison said: ‘You wouldn’t put them on the Taj Mahal or the Pantheon.’
But a planning statement sent to local council officials
said: ‘The college fully understands the heritage significance of the chapel as custodians of the building since its foundation in 1441. A major repair of the roof is needed and this is therefore a once in a lifetime opportunity to undertake works which will… help the college respond to the challenges of climate change.’
King’s College did not respond to a request for comment.