A Ripon solicitors has appealed a refusal for a replacement roof and solar panels.

Newtons Solicitors relocated from Duck Hill to new, larger premises at 36 Market Place South last year.

It lodged plans for a replacement roof and solar panels to North Yorkshire Council. However, the proposals were refused in October.

The council said the move would cause “unjustified harm” to the Ripon Conservation Area due to the use of modern slate tiles over traditional stone slate.

The firm has since taken the decision to the government’s Planning Inspectorate, which deals with planning disputes.

In a statement of case, CLB Heritage, which is handling the appeal, said:

“The change from stone to Welsh (or similar) slate roof tiles on the rear elevation will have a very minor visual impact.

“The impact is reduced because the Welsh slate is a key feature in Ripon Market Place as set out in the Conservation Area Appraisal and also because the solar panels are fit within the roof plane so do not protrude above the slope and will not be visible from public vantage points.

“The dark colour of the panels and dark slates will help assimilate them visually within the roof slope.”

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The law firm has also submitted revised plans for a replacement roof to North Yorkshire Council.

Under the proposal, the roof would be constructed from modern Brazilian slate to the front and rear elevations, with solar panels on the roof at the back of the property.

Historic England, which is the government’s statutory advisor on the historic environment, concurred with the council’s previous refusal and said the fresh plan would cause “unjustified harm” to the area.

A government planning inspector will make a decision on the appeal at a later date.