Homeowners in village near Warwick told they will need planning permission if they want to put solar panels on the front of their roofs

Homeowners in a small Warwickshire village will need planning permission if they want to put solar panels on the front of their roofs.

The decision was made by councillors at Monday's executive committee of Warwick District Council after they agreed to remove permitted development rights for the 24 properties in the Sherbourne Conservation Area.

Work on chimneys, walls, fences and gates is also covered by what is known as an Article 4 Direction as is the painting of a house in an alternative colour.

Cllr John Cooke (Con, Kenilworth Abbey and Arden), the portfolio holder for development services, said: “One of the reasons why this has been put forward is that we’re beginning to notice that some things are beginning to take place that are not necessarily adding to the conservation area.

"You shouldn’t really be doing anything unless it adds to the protection of it.

“The thought is that in this particular area things have gone too far. I do think you need to remember this is a conservation area and that these buildings are particularly attractive. You need to think carefully whether it is appropriate for these buildings to have solar panels on the roof.

“I do have a lot of sympathy about the solar pv panels because a lot of them are now quite inoffensive but you will have to put forward an application.”

At an earlier meeting of the overview and scrutiny committee, there were calls for solar panels to be removed from the list needing planning permission.

Cllr Alix Dearing (Green, Kenilworth Park Hill) said: “Many conservation areas including national parks - which are noted for their conservatism in these matters - allow these.”

But development services manager Gary Fisher explained the council had specific duties.

He said: “Local authorities have a duty to preserve and enhance the character of all of its conservation areas, If approved, this direction would mean certain developments would be brought under control and need planning permission.

“Officers would remind members that what this is also about is balancing the environmental issues with that duty to preserve and enhance conservation areas.”

But he did emphasis that solar panels hidden from view would still be permitted.

He added: “We are only talking about the front roof slopes which are more likely to have an impact on the conservation area.”

The decision comes into immediate effect and will last for an initial six months.