Watford Football Club has submitted plans to install more than 250 solar panels at its training ground.

The proposals for the UCL Sports Ground near London Colney come as the club strives to achieve net zero carbon status.

In total, 266 solar panels are planned in five rows on former tennis courts. They are proposed to be of matte black colour and will be wired into the mains electricity supply at the club’s academy building.

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According to a planning statement, the panels will achieve an output of 97,700 kilowatthours of energy per year, saving 481 tonnes of carbon over 25 years.

Watford Observer: Marked in red is where the solar panels are proposed on former tennis courts. Credit: Google MapsMarked in red is where the solar panels are proposed on former tennis courts. Credit: Google Maps

The application site is within the green belt and planning agent Savills has drawn up a list of reasons explaining the “very special circumstances” it believes exist in order to secure planning permission from Hertsmere Borough Council.

The application can be found on the planning portal via reference 22/1097/FUL.

Meanwhile, the club is still waiting on a decision from the council on whether it can keep its inflatable dome at the training ground permanently.

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