Ilfracombe council explores solar car parks and faster EV chargers at two town centre sites

Ilfracombe Town Council is looking at covering two of its car parks with solar panel roofs and adding faster electric vehicle charging points. The proposal, discussed at a recent full council meeting, targets the Ropery Road and High Street car parks, which together span around 5,000 square metres. A report from the council's environment champion suggests that up to 80% of that area could host solar panels, potentially generating enough electricity to offset the council's own carbon footprint by 2030. Cost estimates are still rough: around £1.5 million for full solar coverage, with potential electricity sales of £180,000 per year, and about £150,000 for six fast chargers plus two 22kW units at High Street. The report claims the chargers could pay for themselves in five years, but councillors have pushed back on those numbers and want firmer figures. They also raised practical concerns, including the impact on the Christmas market, planning rules in residential and conservation areas, and the long-term value of the High Street site. No decisions have been made yet. The council's existing solar working group will reconvene and work with the biodiversity group to develop a more detailed proposal. The discussion also touched on commercial options where a supplier might install equipment without the council paying the full upfront cost, which could change the economics if it goes ahead.