Test Valley councillor wins approval for solar panels

The council’s Southern Area Planning Committee unanimously approved the work at Kings Farm House, Over Wallop, when it met at Crosfield Hall, Romsey, on September 1.

The application went to the committee because the property is home to Test Valley borough councillor Stewart MacDonald.

Planning officer Sarah Teague said the proposal covered solar panels on an outbuilding behind the house, plus a shed and gates already built after the committee agenda was published, making the application partly retrospective.

Kings Farm House is a Grade II-listed building in the Over Wallop Conservation Area.

The location plans for the application (Image: Temple Ford Design Ltd Architects)

Ms Teague recommended approval, saying the panels would have little impact on the site or surrounding area.

She said: "The solar panels on the western roof elevation are unlikely to be appreciated by public view points," while boundary walls and the main house would screen the eastern roof slope.

Ms Teague said the structures would be visible from a nearby lane but that "their modest scale ensures they would not appear visually obtrusive".

Kings Farm House (Image: Google Maps)

The officer’s report said up to 10 slimline panels would be installed on the barn’s western roof, which is covered in black corrugated metal.

Ms Teague said: "The existing roof is constructed in black corrugated metal, so the panels would successfully integrate with the existing roof slope."

She also described the proposed shed as having "a discreet design".

Councillors required the shed to be stained a dark colour to match the other buildings on the site.

The application was approved unanimously without questions or debate.