Grimsthorpe Castle near Bourne seeks planning permission for solar panels

Plans have been submitted to put solar panels on a roof at Grimsthorpe Castle near Bourne.

The application to South Kesteven District Council includes solar PV panels and air source heat pumps to a flat roof at the Grade I listed stately home.

The panels would be located on the western side of the castle which was repaired following a fire in 1960. They will not be visible to the public from the grounds or within the castle.

A report submitted by architects at RTK Stamford says: “The castle has a considerable energy demand. The flat roof presents an opportunity to install renewable technology without directly impacting historic listed fabric or impacting upon the character or setting of this Grade I listed building.

“The 22.7kW array will connect to the electricity supply for the entire castle and make a significant contribution in reducing electricity consumption from the National Grid, reducing the castle’s carbon foot print and running costs.

“Considering the current trend in rising energy costs, it will also provide some shielding for the charitable trust in the long term against future electricity cost increases.”

The application also covers the installation of an electric vehicle charger for staff use.

It would be located in an area not open to the public.