SCENIC views for walkers on the South West Coast Path and King Charles III England Coast Path could be at risk from plans to fit solar panels on the roof of a Porlock Weir house.

Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) is being asked to approve an application for 17 panels on The Harbour Lights, situated on the harbourside.

Planning agent Lewis Rainford, of LMF Energy Services, recognised Porlock Weir was a picturesque coastal location with a historic harbour and a distinctive grouping of cottages and historic buildings.

He said the solar panels were the minimum number needed to improve the energy efficiency of The Harbour Lights and power newly-installed electric storage heaters.

Mr Rainford said it was a ‘modest dwelling’ with a traditional slate roof and contributed positively to the Porlock Weir Conservation Area.

The proposal was to put eight panels on a street-facing roof and nine on inward-facing roofs which were not visible from the road.

Mr Rainford said: “The proposal therefore balances the need to preserve the special character of the conservation area with the urgent requirement to improve the property’s energy performance and sustainability.”

He said the solar installation was ‘modest in scale, sympathetic in design, and reversible’.

But ENPA future landscape officer Julie Layzell said: “The building is an important focus of views from the east.

“The panels would have a detrimental effect on these views and on the character and streetscape of this unique location.

“The panels on the south-east facing roof would be prominent, facing directly toward the main pedestrian and vehicular approach to the harbour.”

ENPA rights of way and access officer Sue Applegate said she did not object in principle but shared Ms Layzell’s concerns because the property was visible in both directions by people using the coast path and other visitors.

Porlock parish councillors did not have any objections.