28-01-2025
Solar car park canopy given go-ahead at Newport high school
A solar car park canopy has been given the go-ahead at a Newport high school.
Jamie Birch, representing 3Ti Energy Hubs Ltd, submitted the proposal for the installation at Lliswerry High School's off-street car park.
The canopy, which will cover an area of 106 square metres, will be constructed using galvanised steel and solar panels.
The solar energy development is standalone, with a capacity of 0.02 megawatts, and will support electric vehicle charging.
The site, on Nash Road, is not in a flood-risk area, but a sustainable drainage system is planned for surface water.
Natural Resources Wales, while not objecting to the project, noted the site is in Flood Zone 3 Sea and advised flood-proofing measures.
The proposal, which did not require any new staff, did not undergo any prior neighbour or community consultation.
However, 88 neighbouring properties were informed about the plans once they were submitted, but none responded.
The structure, measuring 7.1m in depth, 15m in width, and 3.7m in height, is described as discreet and contemporary, and partially visible from Nash Road.
The nearest residential property is 90m away, with no negative impact expected.
The canopy aligns with national planning policy on renewable energy, contributing to the sustainability goals outlined in the Future Wales: The National Plan 2040, and the Planning Policy Wales Edition 12, 2024.
The application was officially declared on November 19, 2024, and has been granted with conditions.
The decision was confirmed on January 16, 2025.
The planning policy considerations for this project included policies on environmental protection and public health, quality of design, sustainability, and renewable energy.
No archaeological features are expected to be encountered, according to the Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust.
A site visit confirmed the proposed location is already used for off-street parking and does not contain any protected species, important habitats, trees, hedges, or geological features.
The application can be viewed in full on Newport Council's planning portal under the reference code 23/0703.
The application was handled by agent Mark Farrar from The Urbanists, based in Cardiff.
The canopy is set to enhance the school's parking facilities while contributing to renewable energy use.
