AN amended planning application is requesting approval for solar panels on the roof of the new Pavilion on Dorchester’s Great Field.

The plans, submitted to Dorset Council, also asks for changes to the original design to allow for a bin store, the removal of one window, the addition of a kitchen window and alterations to doors.

The solar panels were not included in the original application for the building only being added to the structure after the initial consent was given.

The Pavilion has been built for the Alcohol Education Trust by C G Fry and Son, the original Poundbury developers, on Duchy of Cornwall land. The building, for which the Trust was granted full planning permission last year, will provide a headquarters and a café to serve visitors to the Great Field. The charity works with young people to make them aware of the potential problems of alcohol mis-use. It had the building officially handed to them this week.

Planner for C G Fry & Son, Paul Hoffman, says that Dorchester Town Council were consulted on the application by Dorset Council and had no objection. He says they were particularly supportive of the solar panels as a reflection of the Dorset Council declaration of a Climate Emergency.

It is hoped the building will be open for public use in the spring.