Installing free standing solar panels on grazing land at a Yorkshire farm will help with the farmhouse running costs, planners have been told.

Chris North has applied to Calderdale Council seeking permission to install 21 free standing solar panels on the field at Grade II-listed Dean Head Farm, Blackstone Edge Road, Cragg Vale, near Hebden Bridge.

A heritage statement by Northern Design (Oldham) submitted with the application argues that along with other measures they will help keep costs down at the farmhouse, which dates back probably to the late 17th century, according to the listing.

“The new solar panels are to assist in the running cost of the farmhouse.

Where 21 free-standing solar panels might be sites at Dean Head Farm, Cragg Vale, image from the planning documents

placeholder image — Where 21 free-standing solar panels might be sites at Dean Head Farm, Cragg Vale, image from the planning documents

“The solar panels together with other energy saving installations will help to reduce the costs of energy bills,” say the agents.

With the proposed triangular-mounted solar panels being free-standing and on the grazing land away from the building, “the proposal will have no impact on the setting of a Listed Building,” they argue.

The application, number 26/00159/FUL, can be viewed on the council’s planning portal.