MORE than 1,300 solar panels are being proposed for the roofs of the Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester.

If agreed they could produce up to 590KW of power, towards the school's ambition of on-site zero-carbon electricity.

Almost every roof on the 4 hectare site is likely to be used for the panels, most of them facing south where there are no overlooking properties.

The only roofs to have panels proposed on their eastern and western slopes are at least 50 metres away from the boundary and unlikely to be seen by homes in the area, according to the application to Dorset Council.

An agent acting for the school said: "It is considered that the proposed installation would only enhance the school building and appeal of being a modern learning centre looking towards the future and creating a vision of sustainability for students."