A VILLAGE school has been given the go-ahead to install a large number of solar panels on its roof.

Colne Engaine Primary School submitted the proposals to Braintree Council, which have now been granted.

The proposal comprises a total of 79 solar panels, covering the majority of the flat roof to the school, together with the south-facing roof plane of the pitched rear roof.

Most will be on the flat roof and not be visible from below.

A planning report said the position of the site in the village and obscured position of the panels should “minimise impacts upon surrounding landscape character”.

“The design and appearance impacts of the proposal upon the wider character of the area are therefore considered acceptable,” it said.

It marks the second time the school has been given planning permission to install solar panels, with the last one being given the go-ahead in 2008.

However, planning bosses said it was “unclear whether that development was implemented”.