Council has solar panels so why can’t we?

A COMMUNITY group has launched a planning appeal after plans to install solar panels on the roof of a Gwynedd hotel were turned down despite the council having such panels on the roof of its own headquarters just yards away.

Llety Arall in Caernarfon was developed for tourists to experience the town’s heritage, cultural and unique linguistic nature, marketed as the authentic “Welsh experience.”

Opening its doors last year on Stryd y Plas, converted from what was once a gym, it caters for small groups and families and was developed following a public appeal for shareholders to invest.

But it suffered a blow last summer after Gwynedd Council turned down plans for solar panels on parts of its roof while, at the same time, allowing the conversion of attic space for three additional bedrooms.

According to officers, the panels as well as a water heater and repositioning the existing roof lights would “create clutter” and have a detrimental effect due to it being visible from Caernarfon Castle which is a World Heritage Site.

But having submitted an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, the applicants have pointed to Gwynedd Council having solar panels on the roof of its own headquarters – just yards away – which is also visible from the castle.

“The council appears inconsistent in applying this policy as a similar development (with the same set of equipment) on the east roof is acceptable although that roof is also within the Conservation Area,” Llety Arall stated in their planning appeal.

“The Council has granted planning permission for the installation of solar panels (photovoltaic) on the roof of the listed building extension of 10 Stryd y Plas.

“The Council has also taken advantage of their permitted development rights as a local authority to approve the erection of an extensive collection of solar panels on their own headquarters building.”