Mid Sussex Times and Sussex Express reporter
WDC said the works at Vicarage Lane Car Park will contribute towards the council offices’ sustainability while reducing carbon emissions and making productive use of an existing asset.
The council said the scheme will see around 456 solar panels fitted above parking spaces.
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It said the solar car ports are expected to generate about 217,000 kWh of renewable electricity each year once they are operational, which will offset the energy used at the council offices and lower energy costs.
WDC said the plan is also expected to deliver around £54,000 in annual energy savings, with any generated electricity that the council does not use exported back to the grid.
Councillor Kelvin Williams, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) and lead councillor for Public Health and Asset Management, said: “Investing in solar is not just about reducing carbon emissions. it is about making better use of the assets we already have to create a cleaner, more sustainable future for our residents. The feedback from residents has been very positive as the project uses a existing asset to meet environmental goals. The solar car port project demonstrates how we can generate renewable energy locally. Most importantly, it is an investment that benefits residents today while helping to build a greener and more resilient community for future generations.”
The works are set to take place in the lower section of Vicarage Lane car park, which the council said will be closed in stages. WDC said the exact timing of the works is still to be confirmed, but said the works should take four months to complete. Construction is planned to start in November this year until March 2027 and is set to be phased to minimise disruption to residents, businesses and visitors.
Leisure Energy is the contractor completing the works on behalf of the council.
The council’s announcement about the works at www.wealden.gov.uk said: “Every effort will be made to keep as many parking spaces available as possible throughout the works.
“During the construction period, motorists will be encouraged to use alternative car parks in Hailsham which include, South Road Car Park, a 23-hour car park, Vicarage Field East, which provides three-hour parking and Vicarage Field West which provides six-hour stay parking. Existing parking legislation and restrictions within Vicarage Lane car park will continue to apply during the works.
“Once the solar car ports are complete, a height restriction barrier will be installed at the entrance to the bottom 23-hour car park which will mean that high-sided vehicles will no longer be able to utilise that area of the car park.”
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