SOLAR panels should not be installed on Helston's Guildhall because it is a listed building.

That is the view of a planning officer, although one that has not so far been tested by an application for permission for such an installation.

The Kerrier officer made the remarks to veteran Helston councillor Keith Reynolds, who inquired on behalf of the council about the likelihood of energy-producing panels on the Guildhall, one of the town's most prominent buildings.

It now seems architecture has won out over conservation. The Guildhall is a Grade 2 listed building and it is in a conservation area.

However, the town council is to continue to pursue the matter, not least because in some members' views the area where the panels would be cannot even be seen from street level.

They were told by planners, however: "The council has a duty to have special regard to the desirability of preserving listed buildings, their settings or any features of special architectural or historic interest which they possess.

"The council therefore has to make every effort to preserve this building and ensure that it remains unharmed by inappropriate development."

The officer said the proposal for solar tiles "although merited by their ability to reduce energy consumption, is unlikely to be appropriate for installation on this listed building".

He also said the conservation area and planning "Article 4 Direction Area" status ensured the preservation of the "special quality of the area as a whole".

Kerrier's conservation team were in support of that view, added the officer.

It was also suggested that solar tiles on a detached outbuilding or "similar unlisted structure" might provide a more suitable alternative.

Mr Reynolds, referring to the officer's comments, told town council colleagues: "You won't be able to see anything from ground level."

He questioned how such a view could be considered.

"In my view it (the solar panel plan) clearly falls under renewable energy policies.

"Although officers won't support it and may well recommend refusal, my own view is that this council should continue to pursue this and continue to check out the cost of solar panels," he added.

Mr Reynolds' fellow councillors agreed.