A historic Newton Abbot church can start to generate its own electricity after planners approved a scheme to fit hi-tech photovoltaic cells.

The devices will be fitted to the roof of the church hall at St Paul's after district councillors ignored advice from officers who said the scheme would have a detrimental effect on the adjoined Grade II listed church.

They were worried the shiny 60ft by 8ft panel would look out of place and 'contrast unpleasantly' with the natural slates.

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