Plan for solar panels near hospital set for approval

Plans to install solar panels on land near Chesterfield Royal Hospital, which will provide a "considerable proportion" of the site's energy needs, are set to be given the go-ahead.

Chesterfield Borough Council's planning committee is recommended to approve a planning application on Monday to place the panels on land north of the hospital site.

According to planning documents, the trust considered a roof-mounted solar scheme, but this was not feasible due to several constraints, including operational and safety concerns.

A report submitted with the plans from Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said it would help reduce costs for the trust and also provide energy resilience.

"The primary goal is for solar electricity to offset the electricity drawn from the grid, thereby reducing dependence on non-renewable energy sources," the report stated.

"Overall, the objective is to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly practices while providing tangible benefits to the hospital and offsetting the site's primary energy use at Chesterfield Royal Hospital."

The move comes after the hospital trust was awarded £6.5m of government money to invest in green energy schemes.

A report prepared for councillors said Chesterfield Borough Council had received 18 letters which outlined objections and concerns about the proposed scheme.

The report details concerns raised, including the potential impact on wildlife in the area, and stated solar panels could be "visually unappealing".

However, planning documents submitted by the applicant state the proposals would not "adversely affect" ecology or have permanent "adverse impacts" on the landscape character.

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