An ancient medieval church with a history stretching back almost 900 years is seeking permission to install solar panels as it looks to cut soaring energy costs and secure its future as a place of worship and community.
St Luke’s Church in Widnes, Cheshire, has submitted an application to Halton Borough Council for 17 solar panels to be installed on parts of the roof of the Grade II listed building.
The landmark church in Pit Lane, Farnworth, has a history dating back to 1180.
Under the proposals, panels would be installed across the roofs of the Chancel and Cuerdley Chapel.
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A design and access statement submitted with the application says the scheme has been carefully designed to “minimise any impact on the historic fabric of the building”.
It says fixings and associated equipment would be “appropriately located” to avoid unnecessary alterations.
The proposals would not involve changes to the church’s existing windows, doors, walls or roof form.
There would also be no alterations to the internal layout or other architectural features.
The church says the scheme is needed in part because of rising energy costs.
Its gas central heating bill increased from around £1,000 to £1,700 in December, with the cost potentially affecting how the building is used during colder months.
The proposed solar installation is expected to generate approximately 8,160kWh of electricity each year, equivalent to around 47 per cent of the church’s annual electricity demand.
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The application says the panels would help reduce running costs while supporting the long-term sustainability of the church and contributing towards the Church of England’s net-zero targets.
“The proposals are not simply intended to reduce the church’s expenditure, but to help secure the long-term viability of St. Luke’s as a place of worship and as a valuable community facility,” the application states.
It adds that reducing the financial burden of operating the building would allow the parish to continue providing its existing services and activities, particularly during the colder months when demand for heating is greatest.
The church is one of the area’s most historically significant buildings.
The original chapel, which now forms the central section of St Luke’s, was first described as a church in its own right in 1324.
However, the history of the site is believed to stretch back even further, with a religious presence on the grounds dating to the ninth century.
The historic setting has also required significant conservation work in recent years.
In 2024, restoration work was carried out after a car crash the previous year caused major damage to the 15th-century sandstone boundary wall and the ninth-century Anglo-Saxon preaching cross.
The application will now be considered by Halton Borough Council, with the final decision to determine whether the renewable energy scheme can proceed.
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