Solar panels to be fitted to a historic listed Co Antrim castle “will not be visible”, a planning report states.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council have granted planning permission for the solar panels to be fitted at Glenarm Castle, which dates from the early 1600s.
The ancestral home of the Earl of Antrim, the castle is set in an estate of 557 hectares, and is a Grade A listed building, meaning it has special architectural or historical interest.
A report brought before the council’s planning committee said the Department for Communities’ Historic Environment Division (HED) has no objections to the panels, subject to conditions.
It stated the HED has been consulted and is “content that the proposed location of the solar panels will not be visible in the wider setting of the listed building”.
“The essential character and special architectural and/or historic interest of the building and its features of special interest remain intact and unimpaired,” the report said.
Read more: Casual Gardener: Gearing up for downtime at Glenarm Castle & Garden
It stressed the proposed works are “in keeping with the existing building”.
The report indicated they will be “subservient to the existing building with relation to height, scale, form and proportion”.
The proposed solar panel units must be black and non-reflective.
“HED have specified conditions to ensure that the proposal respects the special architectural and historic interest and integrity of the building,” the report added.
“The design and external materials of the proposal are sympathetic with the built form and appearance of the existing property and will not detract from the appearance and character of the surrounding area.
“The proposed solar panels will not have an unacceptable adverse impact on visual amenity due to their location.”
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
@2026 The Irish News Ltd

source