Major changes to Sunderland school 'unlikely' to impact neighbours but will create a vision for students

Sunderland City Council’s planning department has approved an application for New Silksworth Academy off Blind Lane in the city’s Silksworth ward.

The school lodged a planning bid earlier this year (2025) seeking permission to install “around 295 solar photovoltaic panels on a wide variety of flat and pitched roofs at the school, with a total generation capacity of about 135kWp”.

A design and access statement, submitted to council planning officials, noted the development would “help the school in its ambition to maximise on the potential of on-site for zero-carbon electricity generation as part of its wider decarbonisation strategy”.

It was also noted that the development would have a minimal impact on neighbouring properties and would “enhance the school building and appeal of being a modern learning centre looking towards the future”, while also “creating a vision of sustainability for students.”

After considering the planning application, Sunderland City Council’s planning department approved it on December 9, 2025.

A council decision report noted there would be “anti-glare coating on the installation in order to lessen any potential impact on the neighbouring properties in particular those to the west and south”.

However, it was noted that “any potential impact on neighbouring properties is also mitigated by the fact that most of the roof areas of the school are not overlooked”.

The council decision report adds: “The solar panels would not be higher than 1m above the highest part of the roof (excluding any chimney) and would be positioned more than 1 metre from the edge of the roof.

“The council’s future transport team has assessed the proposal and raised no objection in relation to highway safety.

“As noted, the installation would be broadly screened from the public domain courtesy of being positioned high atop the roofs, with many areas of roof slope not visible or only partially visible from outside the site.

“In any case, the external visual appearance is considered acceptable and unlikely to impact upon nearby residential receptors.”

Those behind the solar panels development previously said that “in the unlikely event of any glint and glare occurring, it would be at such a small scale to not be different from when seeing the sun and hence would easily go unnoticed in its presence so as to not affect the amenity of their living.”

Applicants added the design and appearance of the development was “suitable” and that “it will have a positive impact on the character of the building.”

For more information on the plan and council decision, visit Sunderland City Council’s planning portal website and search reference: 25/02343/PCZ

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