An application to install photovoltaic panels on the Falmouth Methodist Church roof have been withdrawn.

Recently acquired by Harry James-Mills and Shaun White (the owners of Wesup and Solskinn in Falmouth) the Methodist church on Killigrew Street is due to reopen as a brand new community hub and arts performance space in Falmouth. The venue was part of The Falmouth Cringe.

The applicants had bid for the replacement of lead flashings, installation of photovoltaic panels and repairs to the roof by reusing existing slates.

However, a withdrawal notice for the panels was posted this week (13th). An application to replace the roof covering remains in place.

A report from Historic Environment Planning raised concerns over the "harmful impact" the panels would have on the south side of the church.

The report reads: "Whilst the principle for PV panels (in set into the roof) to provide cheaper electricity is credible and possibly necessary to help maintain this significant community building in Falmouth (ie of special interest), it can be seen that this would have a harmful impact to numerous views to the south side of the church (with its wide expanse and height of roof) from both Jacob's Ladder (Listed Building) as well as the Moor, and other parts of Falmouth south and upslope of the Church. In fact, it is maintained that the setting of Jacob's Ladder by this scheme could be compromised by this scheme by such a drastic visual proposal to the adjacent wide expanse of roof."

Click here to see the application for yourself.