A school in Ipswich has been given the go-ahead to install solar panels on the premises which would power electric vehicle charging points.

Ipswich Borough Council has approved plans from Westbourne Academy, situated in the north west of Ipswich, to install 20 two-car solar panel canopies.

These will be placed within the school car park, providing 40 7kW electric vehicle charging points.

These will be able to fully charge a vehicle between four to eight hours.

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The council approved the plans, stating the proposal represents a "well-designed and highly sustainable form of development that would enhance the school facilities with no impact on highways or the amenity of surrounding development."

The school will now be able to provide for the increased demand from staff and visitors for these facilities.

The canopies will not reduce the operational capacity of the car park, with non-electric vehicles still able to park in spaces on site.