New solar panel farm planned for farmland
SSE Renewables has opened a non-statutory consultation on the Shepway Energy Park project, which will span six sites in Romney Marsh, near Newchurch.
Local residents said they were concerned about the loss of farmland and feared the scheme would destroy the landscape.
According to SSE's project brochure, the scheme will "make a significant contribution towards the UK meeting its net zero targets". The company were contacted by the BBC.
SSE also said in its brochure that solar farms improved food security by addressing climate change and created new income streams for farmers.
The company says the scheme is considered a nationally significant infrastructure project and it will apply to the government, rather than the local council, for development consent in due course.
The current consultation runs until 13 June.
In addition to 200 megawatts (MW) of solar panels, the proposal also involves building a 400MW battery storage facility.
Amanda Farrant, who leads the campaign group Hands Off Our Marsh, told BBC Radio Kent she was concerned about disruption from construction vehicles.
Energy security and food security "can't come at the expense of each other", she added.
Ms Farrant, whose home borders the site, said the plans would "industrialise our village".
"I don't mind solar but just not so much of it in one place. It's huge. This is 1,000 acres of farmland," she added.
A spokesperson for SSE said: "We are in the early stages of defining the project and we are carrying out a full assessment of any impacts to the local area. Through this project we will proactively aim to implement positive improvements such as Biodiversity.
"Our proposals for Shepway Energy Park will not only help generate more renewable power in the UK and make a significant contribution towards meeting net zero targets but also deliver against local priorities around tackling climate change and generating more electricity from renewable sources.
"We look forward to this opportunity to engage with the local community on our plans during this consultation."
The Shepway Energy Park consultation comes after energy firm Low Carbon announced a proposal for an even bigger solar farm near Old Romney in November.
A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson said solar projects had "a rigorous planning process" where community views and environmental impacts are considered.
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