Approval expected for huge solar energy farm

A solar farm the size of 50 football pitches is expected to be given the green light by city planners next week.

City council planning officers are recommending the scheme at Woodlands Farm in Calcott Hill, Sturry, to councillors.

The application has been made by Lightsource Renewable Energy, which wants to cover more than 50 acres of farmland with solar panels.

It claims the technology will harvest 10 megawatts of energy – enough to power nearly 3,000 homes over its 30-year lifespan.

The company, which previously held a public exhibition of the scheme for residents and parish councils, says the site is surrounded by woodland and is not an area of special land- scape value or scientific interest, although they do exist nearby.

Natural England is not objecting but one resident in Hicks Forstal Road has complained that green fields will be turned into a “large industrial installation” which will have a detrimental affect on the countryside and nearby Blean Woods.

The farmland is largely grade three and Lightsource says sheep will graze between the panels.

It has also produced further plans to screen the site, including planting hedgerows around the perimeter.

The planning officers consider the change of land use is “acceptable” and the site far enough away from homes to ensure they are not affected.

They are recommending the application be approved by members of the planning committee, which will meet at the Guildhall in Canterbury from 6.30pm on Tuesday.

Farmland at Woodlands Farm near Sturry which is likely to be covered in solar panels