A PLAN to put 200 solar panels on the world famous Burgh Island has been greeted with disbelief by local residents – and the former owners.

The proprietors of the Burgh Island Hotel want to cover a disused tennis court next to the iconic building with the panels.

They say the site will be screened by hedges. But Tony Porter and wife Beatrice – who bought and lovingly restored the hotel in the 80s – are worried and upset at the proposals.

And residents from across the South Hams have spoken out against the idea, with one saying the solar array would be 'a monstrous carbuncle on an old friend', and another 'a hideous eyesore'.

Mr Porter said the panels would be a 'scar' on the landscape, around 30 metres from the art-deco hotel made famous as the setting for two

For more on this story, see this week's Kingsbridge & Salcombe Gazette