Glare Concerns

Sainsbury’s in Tunbridge Wells wants to install solar panels, prompting complaints from some local residents.

Neighbours argued the plans would reduce the value of their homes because they say the glare from the panels would be "overwhelming".

Sainsbury's states that the dark colour of the panels and “anti-reflective” technology will minimise the glint and glare.

The scheme is part of the supermarket chain's plan to be Net Zero by 2035.

Proposals sent to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) at the end of February show the chain store intends to build a 432kWp (kilowatt-peak) solar installation across their whole roof.

“This system will offset 81 tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually,” the planning application reads.

It continues: “The proposed solar PV, so far as practicable, will be sited so as to minimise its effect on the external appearance of the building and the amenity of the area.

“The rooftop solar panels would be visible from certain heights, however, would not be prominently visible from the public realm or street level due to the area is shielded from view by the other surrounding roof aspects & height of the building.”

“It is envisaged that the PV equipment will be needed for the foreseeable future to meet the energy demands,” according to the application.

However, some neighbours are not fans of the eco-friendly proposals.

Barry Donovan, of nearby Linden Gardens, wrote to the local authority’s planning department to say: “The glare produced by this vast number of solar panels is totally unacceptable.

“Our properties’ gardens are on a level with Sainsburys roof meaning any or all glare would impact severely our daily well being as well as causing detrimental effects on property value and ability to sell on.”

Sainsburys has even submitted a “Glint & glare statement” to TWBC to assuage fears of blinding reflections from their proposed rooftop array.

The report stresses: “It is scientifically impossible to totally eliminate reflection from any object, however solar panels do minimise reflection to levels lower than other common objects used in the built & natural environment.”

But neighbours are unconvinced, with Patricia Fuller writing that the glare would be “intolerable.”

“Our properties are immediately adjacent to the Sainsbury’s site and the existing screening is inadequate and in some cases non existent.”

“The glare produced by such a large number of solar panels would be overwhelming,” added Caroline Angell.

“This installation would have a detrimental impact on both our well-being and the value of our homes.”

It is not yet known when TWBC’s planning committee will decide on the application.

A Sainsbury’s spokesman said: “As part of our Plan for Better, we are committed to becoming Net Zero in our operations by 2035 and to help us achieve this, we plan to add solar panels to our Tunbridge Wells store.

“During the careful installation, we consider various factors, including minimising glare onto surrounding buildings.”