Council’s proposed policy for solar installations in heritage areas is open for comment. The draft (amendment No 9 on Council’s public exhibition web-page) says installations should not occur on the street elevation, or be visibly obtrusive from the primary street frontage.
However, for houses not listed as heritage items, if it can be demonstrated that no other practical option exists, consideration may be given to installations visible from the street, provided
(i) the colour of the system would not contrast strongly with the colour of the roofing against which it would be viewed; (ii) the system would be viewed as one integrated element only, with straight edges (iii) the area/coverage of the system would not exceed 25 per cent of the roof plane(s) of the building facing the primary street frontage.
This is better than the current policy, but still restrictive. A solar air or water heater (but not both) might be permitted on a street-facing roof, in very exceptional circumstances. Photovoltaic systems would not fit into 25 per cent of the roof area.
Yet contrasting shapes are most noticeable, so perhaps a system covering 90 per cent of the roof might look less out of place than one covering 25 per cent, or tilt frames on east or west-facing roofs.
Work must be reversible, so the original heritage roof will still be there, underneath the solar system. Future replacements might be even less intrusive, as efficiencies improve.
Heritage value might vary with the eye of the beholder. In 50 years, the first solar systems will be of historic interest!!
Our heritage areas (which include most of the land surrounded by Kentucky, Beardy, Taylor and Jessie Streets, as well as other areas east of Allingham and between Canambe and Douglas Streets) have a wide range of housing styles. Do solar installations detract from the amenity? Or, by making the homes more comfortable and livable, could solar installations on non-listed buildings make heritage areas more desirable places, where houses are maintained and so conserved.
If there is no other practical location for solar installations, does Council need to limit street-facing solar installations to 25 per cent of the roof area, or would a less restrictive policy be better for the planet and at the same time help conserve the livability and viability of our heritage areas?
Please tell Council your views. Submissions must be received by November 25.
Dorothy L Robinson,
Armidale Dumaresq Councillor
