OVER 260 solar panels could soon be installed on the roof of Bradford’s Crown Court building as part of a government scheme to boost clean energy and reduce carbon emissions.

The Ministry of Justice has submitted a planning application to cover the roof of the combined court building in Exchange Square with solar panels, and say this will create 86,522 kwh of green energy a year. This will help to power the huge building, which includes numerous court rooms, cells and meeting rooms.

In March the Chancellor announced a number of packages to boost the economy due to the expected downturn due to Covid 19 and lockdowns.

One package was funding for the Ministry of Justice to invest in low carbon energy to help the its court buildings move towards zero carbon by 2050.

The MOJ, which operates courts across the country, is one of the biggest producers of carbon emissions in the public sector.

The court building, based in the city centre, is where the biggest local criminal cases take place, and is also home to the city’s family courts.

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It is in the City Centre Conservation Area, and near a number of listed buildings, including the Great Victoria Hotel on the other side of Exchange Square, the former Telegraph & Argus building and St George’s Hall.

If plans are approved, 266 panels will be installed on the building’s roof at a 45 degree angle, facing South East and South West.

They will not be visible from the ground - -according to the application.

The planning application, submitted to Bradford Council late last month, refers to the funding by the Chancellor, saying: “The introduction of solar panels on the existing estate will contribute to the delivery of sustainable development.

“The MOJ has set a clear commitment to tackling the climate crisis through reducing energy demand and choosing low carbon solutions.

“The MOJ is the second largest departmental contributor of carbon emissions after the Ministry of Defence, and as such has an important role in contributing to these targets.

“The introduction of solar panels on existing courts will assist in achieving climate change objectives as well as contributing to its lower emissions target.”

It adds: “The proposed development is located away from the roof line and located where they will minimise the the effects on the external appearance of the building.

“It is not expected that the installation of the panels will have a significant glint or glare impact on any neighbouring buildings.

“The panels are designed to absorb as much light as possible and not reflect it.

“From a careful evaluation of the site and surrounding area it is considered that the proposed solar panels would be acceptable.

“The panels are proposed on the roof and will not disrupt the uniformity characteristic of the area.

“The development will help the MOJ to reduce its energy consumption in a national move towards net carbon zero.

“Therefore there is no reason why this planning application should not be granted.”

Bradford Council is expected to make a decision on the application next month.