PLANS are in place to install new solar panels on top of a village hall. 

Church Knowle Village Hall in Purbeck, two miles from Corfe Castle, may also have two electric vehicle charging points in its car park. 

The hall was built on land transferred from the Rectory in 1936, with construction commencing in 1936/37. 

According to a heritage statement as part of the planning application, the roof was replaced in 2014 but several roof panels had to be replaced in 2023 owing to cracks in the original panels. 

The statement said: “The village hall is a valuable community asset being the only large space available in the village to host larger events such as wedding receptions, funeral wakes and community events.” 

Julie Taylor, senior conservation and design officer at Dorset Council, said there is no objection to the proposals from a heritage perspective to the solar panels. 

She said: “Given the discrete location of the hall, and its brick and corrugated roof construction, the proposed solar panels will have no additional harmful impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area.” 

Julie added she needs to see more details on the charging point in order to make a decision.