A GROUND source heat pump system is set to be installed at the Town Hall.

An application for listed building consent, for the proposed replacing of the existing gas fired boilers with a ground source heat pump system including alterations to an existing outbuilding to 'create an energy centre', came before the development management committee at its meeting on Thursday.

The committee delegated power to the development manager to grant listed building consent with conditions, subject to acceptable details for the conversion of the outbuilding to an energy store being received.

According to a report to the committee, the works to the Grade I listed building will require the conversion of outbuilding adjacent to the west annex to an 'energy centre', works to facilitate entry of the pipework into the buildings from the ground source heat pump system buried in the rear lawn, replacement in the Town Hall of 2 x 125kw gas boilers and replacement in the west annex of an existing gas pressure jet fired boiler with heat distributors located in the basement of each building, with the heating to be conveyed around the building via the existing pipework and column radiators.

It said the proposed works to this Grade I listed building are ‘essential in securing the long-term condition and viability of this historic asset of the highest importance’.