Kentish Express Ashford & District
Plans unveiled for massive solar farm
A project to build a 114-acre solar farm across apple orchards in the Ashford countryside has been unveiled.
International firm Green Switch Capital wants to install thousands of panels on land north of Chilham and Old Wives Lees, as well as build a 2.4-metre security fence to protect the sprawling site.
Official plans for the scheme, which is set to create 200 jobs in the construction phase, are expected to be formally submitted in the coming days.
The site - envisaged to provide power for 15,000 homes and have a lifespan of 30 years - will be the size of 86 football pitches.
Titled the North Court Solar Farm, it will be bisected by Lower Ensden Road and also sit beside part of Shalmsford Road, the main route linking Old Wives Lees and Chartham.
A website listing the aims of the project says its creation will help the government reach its target of cutting carbon emissions by 68% in 2030, and boost the reliability of electricity provision.
It states the development will prevent 21,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide from polluting the air every year, while also claiming electricity prices will take a downturn thanks to increased competition on the renewable energy market.
“Given the declining cost of solar power, the strong transmission network in the region and local demand for power, the proposal is an important source of new power generation,” the project overview reads.
“To ensure the security of the solar park equipment, security fencing shall be erected around the site boundary to restrict access to the site.
“This would comprise 2.4m-high deer or similar fencing, which has been selected to minimise the visual impacts of the fencing in keeping with the site’s location.
“The solar farm would create more than 200 direct and indirect jobs during construction, as well as indirect supply chain opportunities.
“In addition, it will employ approximately two to three full-time staff during the operation and maintenance phase (expected to be 30 years).”
In total, 51,8000 kilowatt hours of renewable energy will be created each year. It is anticipated the site will return to agricultural use after the solar farm is removed.
The land in question earmarked for development sits on the boundary of the Ashford borough and Canterbury district, and neighbours an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
When the plans are submitted, which is expected to be imminently, Ashford Borough Council will determine their fate.
Chilham Parish Council chairman Jane Martin says it is too early to judge the pros and cons of the scheme, but urges all villagers to have their say as soon as the proposals are lodged.
“It’s a very big undertaking for the area and something which needs to be considered at great length,” she said.
“I urge residents to get involved as it will have huge implications – it’s a big application in a small area.”
Cllr Martin says she hopes the possibility of compensation for existing villagers, or pledges for cheaper energy bills, are options which could be considered in the planning stage.
“Solar is a way forward and something which needs to be looked into,” she continued.
“It’s always difficult as we come to live in rural areas as we don’t want to live in areas with big development.
“Until we have seen the plans in detail, it is too early to say what our position is.”
The plans come just weeks after proposals for a solar farm covering 252 acres of rural land next to the M20 were revealed.
EDF Renewables’ scheme – which is earmarked for fields between Smeeth, Aldington and Sellindge – would produce enough electricity to power 17,000 homes a year if built.