Solar panels at York Minster defy the voices of gloom

YORK Minister’s roof is set to be fitted with hundreds of solar panels despite a backlash from local residents.

The 800-year-old Grade I-listed cathedral is one of the largest of its kind in northern Europe and is renowned for its Gothic architecture.

The move to install 199 panels, which would be fitted to the roof of the South Quire Aisle in an effort to generate 75,000 kilowatt-hours of power annually, comes following the Church of England’s 2020 vote to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.

Following the approval of plans by the City of York yesterday, the Very Rev Dominic Barrington, Dean of York, said he was “proud” the historic Minster was contributing to the Church’s pledge.

Some local residents, however, have described the panels as “absurd”.

Taking to social media to voice their anger that the Gothic-style building, which is also the seat of the Archbishop of York, would be changed, one wrote: “Fitting panels to a historic building seems absurd and gets granted permission.”

Another added: “That seems wrong on a historic building. I’m pro solar panels, but I don’t think they’re appropriate everywhere.”

A further said: “Wow, and I had to battle with the council to get a few panels on my house.”

However, others praised the move, with one local saying: “It’s wonderful seeing York Minster’s commitment to the environment.”

Mr Barrington encouraged other religious sites to “follow suit” with ecofriendly schemes.