LISTED building consent for the installation of solar panels onto the flat roof extension of the rear, a battery storage system with a hybrid inverter and an electric vehicle charging facility within the car park at a village hall has been approved by Cornwall Council.

The application has been made on behalf of the management of North Petherwin Parish Hall, Church Hill, North Petherwin, Launceston.

The Grade II listed building, constructed in 1844 and listed in January 1989 was stated as: “North Petherwin Parish Hall is a semi-detached former national school. It is a Grade II listed building with the former schoolhouse and garden wall to the front.

“The site is located to the northwest of the village of North Petherwin, about 5 miles from the town of Launceston. This application seeks listed building consent to install solar panels onto the flat roof extension at the rear, a battery storage system with hybrid inverter and an electric vehicle charging facility within the car park.”

Historic Environment Planning responded to the application, stating: “The solar panels are to be sited on the flat roof extension of the hall which is the most appropriate location for the panels so as not to harm the fabric of the listed building. Should the panels fall out of use in the future then they should be removed and the roof returned to its current state.”

In approving the application, Cornwall Council stated: “Taking these factors into account, on balance it is considered that the proposal is acceptable, subject to conditions. All other matters raised have been taken into account, including the planning history, but none is of such significance as to outweigh the considerations that have led to the conclusion.”

It was subject to an additional condition, namely: “Within 6 months of the cessation of the generation of electricity by the development hereby permitted the solar panels hereby approved shall be permanently removed and the roof reinstated to its original condition

“Reason: To ensure character and scenic beauty is protected in accordance with Policy 23 of the Cornwall Local Plan Strategic Policies 2010 - 2030, Policy RE1 of the Climate Emergency Development Plan Document 2023, and to safeguard the character of this building (which is listed as being of special architectural or historic interest) in accordance with the aims and intentions of Policy 24 of the Cornwall Local Plan strategic policies 2010-2030 (adopted November 2016).