Permission for solar panels to be put on a Grade II listed building in the centre of Devizes has been granted by Wiltshire Council.

The application for 21 solar panels on Devizes Literary and Scientific Institute roof, in Northgate Street, was given listed building consent under delegated powers.

Devizes Town Council did not object but the Trust for Devizes did, saying panels would detract from the visual aspect of the roof and set an undesirable precedent.

The institute is used as a social club and it wants the black panels to minimise its carbon footprint.

Planning officer Victoria Hodgson said: “Normally, putting solar panels listed buildings may be unacceptable through damage to historic fabric and adverse visual impact to the setting or character/appearance of the building.

“In this case, the main architectural interest of the building lies in its front elevation, which will be unaffected. The rear roof is not visible from any public viewpoint.”