Vicarage Lane Solar Car Ports
About the project
We are developing plans to install solar car ports in the lower section of Vicarage Lane Car Park in Hailsham.
The project will generate renewable energy while making better use of an existing council-owned asset.
Electricity generated by the solar panels will be used to help power the nearby Wealden District Council offices, reducing carbon emissions and helping to lower energy costs.
By using an existing car park rather than developing on greenfield land, the project supports the Council's sustainability ambitions while making productive use of existing infrastructure.
Renewable energy and cost savings
The solar car ports will help reduce reliance on grid electricity and support the Council's commitment to tackling climate change. The project will also help reduce the long-term cost of running Council buildings.
The system is expected to generate approximately 217,000 kWh of renewable electricity each year. The electricity produced will be used by the neighbouring Council offices, reducing the amount of electricity that needs to be purchased from the grid.
Initial modelling suggests the scheme could deliver energy savings in the region of £54,000 per year. This figure is indicative and will be refined as the project progresses and the detailed business case is completed.
What is being installed?
The scheme is proposed to include:
Solar panel canopies above parking spaces in the lower section of Vicarage Lane Car Park.
Approximately 456 solar panels.
A direct connection to the neighbouring Council offices.
Safety measures, including a height restriction barrier and warning signage.
The structures have been designed to fit within the existing car park while retaining existing parking provision.
Construction works and Alternative Parking
Construction will be carried out in phases to minimise disruption to residents, businesses and visitors.
The lower section of Vicarage Lane Car Park will be closed in stages while the works take place. Every effort will be made to keep as many parking spaces available as possible throughout the construction period.
During the works, motorists will be encouraged to use alternative town centre car parks, including:
South Road Car Park
Vicarage Field East Car Park
Vicarage Field West Car Park
Existing parking restrictions and enforcement arrangements will remain in place.
Further information about construction phases, timescales and temporary closures will be published on this page as soon as it becomes available.
What will change once the project is complete?
When the solar car ports are operational, a height restriction barrier will be installed at the entrance to the lower section of Vicarage Lane Car Park. This means that high-sided vehicles will no longer be able to access that area of the car park. Alternative parking options for these vehicles will be considered elsewhere within the wider car park network.
Benefits of the project
The Vicarage Lane Solar Car Ports project is designed to deliver a range of environmental, financial and community benefits by:
Generating renewable electricity from an existing Council-owned site.
Helping to reduce carbon emissions from Council operations.
Reducing the Council's reliance on electricity purchased from the grid.
Supporting the Council's climate change and sustainability ambitions.
Helping to reduce the long-term energy costs associated with running Council buildings.
Making productive use of existing infrastructure rather than developing on greenfield land.
Providing covered parking spaces beneath the solar canopies.
Supporting a more sustainable and resilient future for the district.
