PLANS to install dozens of solar panels on a historic pub in Kendal in a bid to bring down energy bills have been given the go-ahead by planners.

Westmorland and Furness Council has granted listed building consent to Fleece Cumbria Ltd to place 64 solar panels on the roof of Ye Olde Fleece Inn in the town centre.

According to a report by a council conservation officer, the proposals will result in ‘some harm’ to the grade II listed building but add there are ‘clear public benefits’ to installing sustainable energy sources.

Planning documents submitted on behalf of the applicant state: “The proposed PVs, in reducing the energy costs to the business at Ye Olde Fleece, will ensure that the use of the Property as a community facility and public asset can continue long into the future, by ensuring it remains an economically viable business.

“In this regard the PVs can be seen as enhancing the heritage significance of the Property by ensuring its longevity of usage.”

According to the design, access and heritage statement, the hospitality industry is ‘particularly vulnerable’ to increases in energy costs as they are ‘energy intensive businesses’.

The statement says other businesses have added additional insulation or double-glazed windows however these methods are ‘restricted’ with listed buildings.

It adds: “For this reason, the Applicant has opted to install PVs to Ye Olde Fleece so that the public house can produce its own energy, in turn reducing reliance on the Grid and therefore bringing down bills.”

In a planning consultation, councillor Peter Thornton (Kendal Strickland and Fell, Lib Dems) said: “The Fleece Inn has a proud history and has always been an important part of the heritage of Kendal. Businesses such as this are suffering huge challenges and many such local businesses have closed over the last few years.

“As a long term resident of Kendal who has been a customer of the Fleece for the last 60 years I support this application in that it will help the business remain sustainable and will also help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.”

This application was granted by Westmorland and Furness Council on November 22.