Plans for a new solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging hub in Lancaster have received a unanimous thumbs up.
Lancaster City Council's planning committee has approved the building of a new solar canopy at the Auction Mart Car Park.
The hub will generate clean electricity on site to power eight new charging bays, with a co-located Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) storing energy for use later in the day, including for solar-powered lighting.
Any electricity not needed on site can be exported to the National Grid.
Alongside rapid charging, residents and taxi drivers will benefit from discounted tariffs. The tariff structure was benchmarked against local charging costs and will include innovative 'Solar Saver Sessions', offering extra savings when surplus renewable energy is available.
Designed with public safety in mind, the hub is located near busy pedestrian areas to address a common concern with some EV charging sites, and wide bays will support accessible parking.
The committee approved the planning application at a meeting on Tuesday.
"I’m delighted the planning committee has unanimously backed our plans for a solar-powered EV charging hub in Lancaster," said Councillor Sam Riches, cabinet member with responsibility for climate action.
"Nearly half of households across the district do not have access to off-street parking, making it more difficult and expensive for many people to switch to an electric vehicle.
“This project will help remove that barrier by providing a reliable, affordable and accessible public charging option in the heart of the city.”
The scheme directly delivers a key recommendation of the Lancaster District Local Area Energy Plan, developed with support from Energy Systems Catapult and local partners.
The plan identified limited access to off-street parking and the higher cost of public charging as barriers to EV uptake, with central Lancaster the main focus for new public charging provision.
The project is fully funded through Defra Air Quality Grant funding, with additional support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
Construction is expected to start later this year, with the hub due to become operational during 2027.
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