More than 300 solar panels could go on Coombe Abbey visitor's centre roof if council planners approve

The entrance to the estate. Photo: Google Streetview.

And it is hoped that the panels will create so much energy that some will be fed back into the system for others in the area to use.

The plans for the 303 panels, which will go on the east and west-facing sides of the roof, has been put forward by Coventry City Council who run the park on Brinklow Road, Binley.

Renewable energy experts Spirit Solar Ltd say that the proposed system is expected to produce more than 65,000kWh each year creating an annual saving in CO2 of 33.83 tonnes. And they add that there would be limited visual impact, something that was important with the building being so close to the Grade I Listed Coombe Abbey.

The report explains: “The panels are black in appearance with black outer frames and have anti-reflective glass. The principle technologies behind the solar panels are to absorb as much light as possible to convert to electricity and thus there is no discernible reflection or glare produced as a by-product.

“Furthermore, the need to create an aesthetically appealing and less visually obtrusive development is of greater importance given its location. The panels selected are all-black in finish to aid in the aesthetic appeal. The panels sit no more than 200mm off the surface of the roof to minimise the visual impact.”

The report added that the feasibility of the scheme had been given careful consideration in terms of design, scale, location and layout to make sure it was appropriate to the setting.

It concluded: “Given the current economic situation and concerns about climate change, the move towards a greener and more sustainable form of energy usage is essential. The proposed system will be able to supply the site with a significant amount of their daytime energy requirements and decrease the site’s reliance on electricity from non-renewable sources.”

You can have your say about the plans by visiting Rugby Borough Council’s planning portal https://planning.agileapplications.co.uk/rugby/search-applications/. The closing date for comments is May 13.