Homeowner told to remove solar panels – but next door has had them for decade

Local council has declared climate emergency but house is in a conservation area

A south London man has described his incredulity after Merton council ordered him to remove his solar panels - flying in the face of attempts to tackle the climate crisis and in spite of the fact his neighbour has had some on their roof for more than 10 years.

In 2019, Merton council declared a climate emergency and said the borough would become net zero by 2050. But that hasn't stopped council officials ordering Syd Reid, who lives in Wimbledon, remove his panels because his property is in a conservation area.