One supporting letter said the omission wouldn’t contribute to net zero emissions targets.   

Building work is at an advanced stage on the site though, after planning permission was granted in 2022. That included renewable electricity generation as part of the original design. Planning had also made the inclusion a development condition. 

But the Development & Planning Authority says the solar panels must be put in as planning policies would be breached should they be removed from the plans. 

“The solar panels form an integral part of the sustainable design approach for this development and omission of those features would comprise a reduction in the quality of the development,” it said. 

“No provision has been put forward as part of the current application to offset the loss of the solar panels. The submitted information simply states that the high performance of the buildings, having regard to the levels of insulation and air tightness, negates the requirement for solar panels. No evidence has however been submitted to demonstrate this statement. 

“The supporting information also states that the addition of solar panels would impact on the viability of the development, however no evidence has been submitted to support this assertion.”