By Isle of Wight Observer
Solar panels will be fitted on the roof of a Ryde public swimming pool, as part of works approved by the Isle of Wight Council.
The Waterside Community Trust applied to carry out a refurbishment and alteration project at Waterside Pool, including energy-saving measures to reduce the pool’s carbon emissions and running costs.
In addition to solar panels being installed on the pool’s southern building roof, the facility will get a new heat exchanger plant to better meet its energy needs, with enhanced efficiency and heat recovery.
Other works involve replacing part of the main building’s roof with a flat roof, and a small extension to the pool’s heat exchanger plant room to enable the fitting of the new equipment.
The application was approved on the basis that it would improve the use of the site for the benefit of tourism and leisure in the area.
The council’s Officer Written Justification report concluded, on balance, the solar panels would not have a negative effect on the Ryde Conservation Area.
Efficiency gains from the panels, and the view that tourism and leisure form part of the area’s character, were also given as reasons to support the application.
Work must start within three years.