THE installation of solar panels has been approved for a church in Wylam.

A planning application was submitted by the agent Mr Teasdale to install up to 20 black solar (PV) panels on the south roof elevation of St Oswin's Church Hall on Church Road, Wylam.

The application was approved by Northumberland County Council.

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A design and access statement said: "Whilst the Church has some historical and architectural significance the Church Hall has no particular significance and is listed by virtue of its position in the Church grounds.

"The south elevation was chosen to maximise the efficiency of the proposed installation as well as effectively hiding the panels from all parts of the Church and grounds except the Church Hall’s south lawn. In this location the panels will be visible from the rear of a handful of neighbouring domestic dwellings but will not be visible from public roads or footpaths.

"The proposed solar photovoltaic installation is designed to provide the Church Hall with a source of sustainable energy to reduce both energy costs and carbon footprint."

For more information, go to the council's planning portal and search reference number 24/02465/FUL.