120 kWp Heritage-Sensitive Carport at 4-Star Bath Hotel
A 4-star boutique hotel group operating 8 sites across the South Coast and Cotswolds delivered a 120 kWp solar carport over the 95-bay guest car park at their Grade II-listed Bath property. The heritage-sensitive design uses Corten steel column finishes and slate-pattern PV glass to integrate with the surrounding Georgian conservation area.
Project at a glance
Challenge
The hotel sits in a Bath Conservation Area, adjacent to Grade II-listed Georgian terraces. Conservation Officer consent was required in addition to standard planning. The car park is small (95 bays) and the structural envelope was further constrained by a 5m setback from the listed wall. Guest experience was critical — the carport had to be a feature, not an industrial intrusion.
Our Approach
- Pre-application consultation with Conservation Officer — secured in-principle support before submitting full planning
- Corten steel weathering finish (mellows to Bath-stone-toned patina over 18 months)
- Slate-pattern bifacial glass-glass panels (rare specialist finish — sourced from Heckert Solar)
- EV chargers in dedicated guest-priority zone, integrated with hotel PMS for room billing
- Sponsorship plaque on carport detailing local heritage and project carbon savings
- 12 × 7 kW chargers for overnight guests (full charge by morning) + 4 × 22 kW for short-dwell visitors
Outcomes
"The Conservation Officer was the deciding voice. Working with the design team early — before we'd even submitted planning — meant we got consent the first time. Guests genuinely love the carport. It's become part of the hotel."
— Managing Director, Boutique Hotel Group
Spec a Similar Project
Free feasibility, indicative ROI within 5 working days.