Landowners are making more applications to install white solar panels, a new trend on the island.

The issue came up at a town hall organised by the Department of Planning at Penno’s Wharf in St George’s on Wednesday evening.

The information session followed World Planning Day, observed last Saturday, and aimed to inform residents about development within the World Heritage Site.

One resident raised concerns about the efficiency of white solar panels, noting they appeared to be on the increase across the island.

Jessica Dill, the department’s heritage officer, said multiple applications for the installation of the devices had come in.

She said: “There have been several instances in which our technical officers have had a look at how these white solar panels are working.

“The challenge that we have, that we are hearing from feedback from the providers of these solar panels, is that they are not pushed much.

“This is given that they do not have the same efficiency as black solar panels.”

Ms Dill said the department reviewed applications on a “case-by-case basis” and told attendees that the unit had to be mindful of how people may wish to switch to other forms of energy uses.

The department has not received any applications for the installation of white solar panels at St George’s.

Ms Dill added: “We have to be supportive of looking at these sustainable energy practices but within the confines of the characteristics of the Town of St George.”

Diallo Rabain, the Minister of the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation, said the department organised the session because “people have a right to know” how planning decisions were made.

He said: “We all know the town has tighter control than any other part of the island, but that is for good reason.

“They mean we expect development to fit the town, to respect the scale of the buildings and to keep the charm that has carried St George’s forward for centuries.”

He advised residents to “speak to the department early” if they planned to undertake projects at the town.

“Having a conversation at the beginning can save a lot of time and frustration later,” he added.

Earlier, Ms Dill gave a presentation on how to plan for development within the town, highlighting how applications are assessed for a heritage site.

She said there were 220 listed properties within the town, protected under policies and legislation including the Development and Planning Act 1974 and the Bermuda Plan 2018.

One resident expressed concern about a “dilapidated building” that he said greeted visitors disembarking from the ferry at the Olde Towne.

He said: “The very first building people see when they get off the ferry is a sad, dilapidated building with glass falling and windows missing. First impression lasts and says a lot.”

Victoria Cordeiro, the director of planning, said legislation was in place to address such situations — in which the minister can issue orders — but the process could be complicated since the order would have to be served on the landowner.

Ms Cordeiro said: “I’m sure many of you know you can’t always find out who owns some of these properties

“It comes with a legal challenge that we would have to concerned about.”

She said the minister could still issue a demolition order if deemed necessary — but the ministry would have to undertake due diligence before taking such action.