Wesley Methodist Church on St John Street has been given planning permission cover a large part of its roof with solar panels.

The application to Cheshire West and Chester Council said the 39 solar panels, on the south facing pitch of the church, would reduce the church's running costs and help the building reach net zero status.

Wesley Church is a grade II listed building in Chester City Centre's conservation area. 

The application outlined the panels would not be visible from street level, but would be for a short stretch of the city walls. 

It also listed several proposed benefits of the project; reducing electricity import costs to the church and its cafe by about 39% and ensuring long term financial viability and contributing to reducing the UK's dependence on fossil fuels. 

The 39 all-black solar panels will reportedly produce about 17kW. 

The council's conservation and design officer commented: "The proposal would have a neutral impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area and the setting of the grade I listed city walls from which the proposal would be visible.

"It is considered that the development would result in no material harm to the significance of the conservation area and its character and appearance would at least be preserved."

No objection was lodged by Historic England. 

"As regards the Grade I listed city walls and the subject premises, having special regard to the desirability of preserving the building/structure, their setting and their features of special interest, it is considered that the proposed development would result in no material harm to the significance of the listed building/structure.

"Furthermore, it is found that the proposed development would not have a harmful visual impact. 

Approving the application, the council also said the panels would need to be removed if no longer needed.

You can find the application here.

Image via Wikimedia Commons