A country estate in north Norfolk will be able to generate its own energy following approval for solar panels at its hall.

Holkham Estate submitted a proposal to North Norfolk District Council to install solar panels on a building at Holkham Hall.

The plans outlined how it would place the panels on the inward-facing sections of the roof at the Lady Elizabeth Wing. 

The panels will allow the estate to generate its own energy.

Planners at the district council gave the proposal the green light on condition that no development would take place until a method statement for roosting bats and breeding birds is submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.

James Bracey, general manager of planning and development, said: "Our visitor businesses already source their electricity from renewable sources.

"Installing solar panels on buildings such as the Lady Elizabeth Wing will allow us to generate our own energy and is another step in moving us towards becoming a carbon negative estate by 2040."

Holkham village was recently recognized by Condé Nast Traveller as one of the top staycation destinations in the UK this autumn.