Proposed solar farm could power 140,000 homes

The largest solar farm ever proposed for Kent could generate enough power for 140,000 homes, 20% of those in the county, according to those behind the plans.

Energy firm Low Carbon has revealed plans for a 500 megawatt (MW) facility on Romney Marsh.

South Kent Energy Park could be built around the village of Old Romney, sitting either side of the A259.

Paul Thomas, who represents the area on Folkestone and Hythe District Council, said he wanted to see "a bit more detail" on the plans.

He said he will attend a public event to ask developers if the land will still be usable for sheep grazing, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

He added: "What impact is it going to have on agriculture and agricultural jobs across the Marsh?"

Plans for any solar farm of 50MW or more do not go through the local council for permission.

Instead, they need to get a development consent order from the government, after a long permission process.

Plans are yet to be submitted but Low Carbon said the site, if built, will become one of the UK’s largest solar farms.

Bosses say the facility, which spans the equivalent of 840 football pitches, would be connected to the National Grid either via an existing substation in Dungeness or a new substation proposed to be built nearby.

David Browne, of Canterbury-based solar firm Convert Energy, said "it could take some time" for the new scheme to be approved.

"Kent has a chequered history with large-scale solar developments, with the Cleve Hill solar park in Graveney drawing massive local opposition," he said.

He said the positioning of the proposed park made "a lot of sense", adding: "The existing infrastructure should be capable of handling the output of the solar park."

The company is taking comments on its proposal online until 20 December, and is hosting in-person events at Ivychurch Village Hall on 26 November and in New Romney Scout Hall on 27 November.

An online event will also be held on 12 December.

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