Proposals to install around 400 solar panels on the roof of the former Kilmarnock Academy have been given the green light. 

Centrestage, which took over the building for its classes and events several years ago, had applied to East Ayrshire Council to install the panels. 

The panels will be sited on the top of one of the complex's modern buildings, rather than the B-listed main building. 

The solar panel system will be flat and will have limited visual impact for surrounding properties.

A report by East Ayrshire Council's planning officials states the proposals would have little effect on the surrounding area.

It said: "As the solar panels will be sited on the rooftop of the existing modern building, and will be setback from the edge of the rooftop on all sides, it is deemed that the solar panels will not have an significant adverse impact on the setting, character and special interest of the nearby listed buildings.

"The solar panels, due to their siting on the rooftop and their low profile design, will not be readily visible from the public domain, and will not have an adverse impact on the setting of those listed buildings located within the vicinity of the subject building."

The plans were approved by officials with conditions earlier this month.

Centrestage took charge of the former school back in 2019, and has transformed the building to include a cafe and full-sized theatre.