Plans have been submitted to Copeland council which could mean the installation of solar panels at Seascale Golf Club.
The borough council has received an application for planning permission to install 150 solar panels at the club.
The work would be phase one of a wider scheme designed to curb rapidly rising energy costs. A further 23 would be installed in phase two after the club gains experience of operating solar power.
In supporting statements with the application, a club spokesman said: “After detailed and helpful consultation with the Copeland planning department, Seascale Golf Club would like to submit the following application to increase the future sustainability of a valuable local community asset.
“Recent increases in the cost of living are reflected in the financial position of the club which is tackling two of its main cost items – energy and water – by seeking sustainable solutions.
“On energy, like most of the population, the club faces a more than doubling of its electricity costs with the annual bill set to rise from £15,000 to £35,000. Finding a sustainable alternative supply therefore became essential and urgent in maintaining a viable operation.”
The club said it believed it was making the same tough choices as governments and communities due to the “precarious nature of the global energy market”.
Panels installed on the club’s shed roofs will be fed back to its welfare facility.
If approved, the plans would mean the survival of a sports club that has around 500 members. And the club believes the panels have a minimal impact on the environment and surrounding area.
The documents added: “We believe the panels will blend in well, be likely to improve the appearance of the roofs and be a visible demonstration of Seascale Golf Club’s journey to a more green, sustainable future.”
