A huge solar farm which could power more than 10,000 homes is one step closer to being created between two villages.
Plans for the facility were first revealed in January this year for land off Appledore Road, between Kenardington and Woodchurch, two villages between Ashford, Tenterden and Romney Marsh.
Now, green energy firm Quintas Cleantech has submitted an application to Ashford Borough Council (ABC) for full planning permission to build the 35 Megawatts (MW) farm.
It would be built on a 148-acre site – the size of 68 football pitches – currently used as agricultural land.
The fields, which have been classified as grade three, meaning they are of good to moderate quality, also border two ancient woodlands; Southroad Wood to the north east and Pond Wood to the south.
Supporting documents submitted by development consultancy firm Pegasus Group state: “The development represents an opportunity to contribute to the UK’s net zero ambitions while ensuring that the local environment is respected and enhanced through mitigation measures.
“The point of connection to the grid for the proposals is to the east of the village of Hamstreet, approximately three miles from the site.
“Consent for the connection route will be sought via a separate statutory process should planning permission for the solar farm be granted.”
If approved, the firm states the farm would deliver a significant amount of renewable electricity, while also providing a secure form of electricity supply.
It would export up to 35MW, which the company insists is the equivalent to the average annual consumption of more than 10,500 homes.
Bosses say it would also give rise to carbon emission savings of 6,500 tonnes annually via displacement of electricity generated by fossil fuels.
The solar farm would be operational for 40 years, after which it will be removed, and the ground will be returned to its original use.
Previously, the firm said during a screening opinion request that while construction could be the usual “nuisance” that comes with building work, these “activities are anticipated to be short-term, limited in scale and would be appropriately controlled”.
Its proposed construction would take about nine months.
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No comments from members of the public have yet to be submitted to ABC.
A decision on the application is expected by October 6.
