A decision to install solar panels on “Cambridge’s finest building”, the 15th-century King’s College chapel, in a bid to reach its net zero targets by 2050, has been criticised by Historic England.
Cambridge city council voted unanimously to allow 492 solar panels on the roof of the building which would power 100 per cent of the electricity the chapel used. The installation would save 27 tonnes of carbon per year and represent a 1.7 per cent reduction in carbon consumption across the estate.
Planning officers urged the councillors to refuse the application due to the damage to the appearance of the grade I-listed chapel. However, the seven councillors approved it on Tuesday evening to inspire renewable energy installations elsewhere.
