Green Energy Consultation for the Looe Coastguard Flats – Your Questions Answered

We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part in our recent Green Energy Consultation for the Looe Coastguard Flats project. Whether you completed the online survey, returned a printed form, joined us at the launch event, or helped spread the word – your input has been incredibly valuable.

Our goal is to make the Coastguard Flats greener, warmer, and more sustainable – all while preserving the heritage of the building and supporting local tenants. Thanks to your contributions, we now have a clearer picture of which green energy upgrades are most important to the community and how we can deliver them in the best possible way.

We received many thoughtful, constructive questions and suggestions – and we’re excited to share our responses below.

Your Questions, Answered

Below is a selection of the questions you asked during the consultation, along with our responses. They reflect the most common themes and concerns.

Solar Panels

Q: Could you use solar slates or in-roof system, such as those used on the Watchtower and the Tractor Shed?
The areas where we want to put panels are hidden, so there’s no need to use more expensive solar slates.

Q: Will the solar panels receive enough sun on the rear roof?
We think solar should go anywhere that’s achievable, even areas of only partial sun like this one. The total roof area is high, so the relatively low efficiency will still give a lot of electricity.

Q: Will the system include battery storage or hot water heating solutions like an iBoost or Eddy?
We are still working on the battery options, as our daytime (sunshine) usage isn’t yet clear – if we can use all the power in the daytime, there’s no need for batteries.

Q: What is the expected size of the solar array and export capacity?
We’re aiming for panels on the whole of the rear roof, a very substantial area. We’re still in discussions on the final size – e.g. excessive shadowing from the chimneys – so we don’t yet have a final size. Export remains an option, nothing decided yet.

Q: Will the solar panels be visible and affect the look of the building?
Our initial ideas included locations that were very visible from the town. We’ve decided against those because the visual effect was so strong – the design we’ve gone for is invisible, hidden by the roof itself.

Windows

Q: Why not consider modern alternatives to timber, such as Timberlook or uPVC sash windows?
The flats are a Grade 2 listed building, because of this we have to strike a balance between heritage conservation, sustainability, and durability.

Q: Are timber windows appropriate in a coastal location?
This is a very fair concern – timber is a heritage requirement. We are invested in the longevity of these improvements and are exploring appropriate treatments and finishes to ensure that they last.

Q: Why not keep the existing windows or use a cheaper alternative?
We’re aiming for the best possible solution. The cost will be high, but the effect on reducing heating bills will be high too, and we’ll cut emissions a lot. If we can afford these windows, they are a really good investment for the long-term.

Heat Pumps

Q: Are heat pumps viable in older properties such as these?
Definitely. We have the huge advantage that this is a full refurb, taking the building back to the stonework. This means we can fit the best possible system.

Q: Would a shared or centralised heat pump system be more effective than individual units?
We are actively looking at this. The flats are very small, so shared units could easily feed more than one each.

Q: What about noise and aesthetics of the heat pumps?
We’ll install the heat pumps in the rear yard, fully invisible to the public and the town and without any noise escaping around the building. The tenants will hear some sound from the units, similar to a fridge.

Additional Questions

Q: Are there any plans for electric vehicle charging?
The site doesn’t have any space for car parking at all – it’s really tight. We want to look at charging points for electric bikes and mobility scooters.

Q: Have other technologies like hydroelectricity been considered?
Hydroelectric power is not suitable for this site. We’ve run a full feasibility exercise and had specialists look at all the possible green options on this site – these are the only realistic choices.

Q: How will this benefit residents directly?
Our investment effort, if successful, will greatly reduce the residents’ bills, and give them the satisfaction of being part of a low-energy, pro-planet solution.

Q: Could one of the flats become a holiday let to help with upkeep?
Three Seas Cornwall’s mission is to provide local housing for local people; this would directly go against what we are all about. We are confident that the rent from all 11 flats will be enough to cover the upkeep.

Q: Will this cost more money? Who is paying for these upgrades? Will it increase rents?
These improvements will cost more, but there are specific grants available just for this, because the funders realise how important it is. The installations won’t affect the rents – we’re seeking grants, not loans. There are a number of funders keen to support this work

Q: How long will the work take; won’t this delay the project even more?
We’ve had really long delays while we deal with all the paperwork: legal requirements, Govt assessments, funding and finance. The work to select the green options has fitted inside all that, so no additional time has been wasted. Similarly, the installation work will fit within the overall build – it is a relatively small part of the full scheme.

Thank you!

We’ll continue to keep you updated through our newsletter and website as the project moves forward.

Thank you once again for your support, ideas, and commitment to making the Coastguard Flats a greener, warmer, and more sustainable place to live.

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