UK’s largest solar farm to be built in Kent despite countryside concerns

Construction work on Cleve Hill solar park is due to begin in 2021, with the site operational by April 2022.

The UK’s largest solar farm, which will generate enough power for more than 91,000 homes, is to be built in Kent despite concerns about the effect on the countryside.

Developers said the 958-acre site, located in the village of Graveney, between Faversham and Whitstable, will help the UK achieve its climate change targets and provide subsidy-free electricity.

The £450 million project, which will consist of 880,000 solar panels, was approved by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), Alok Sharma, on Thursday May 28.

This decision will have a major impact on our community as a market town set in a rural coastal environment.The Faversham Society

Campaigners, along with the RSPB, Kent Wildlife Trust and the countryside charity CPRE Kent, had opposed the plans, arguing it would adversely impact wildlife in the surrounding area.

The Faversham Society, which aims to protect the town’s heritage and objected to the scheme, said it was “extremely disappointed” by the decision.

In a statement, it said: “This decision will have a major impact on our community as a market town set in a rural coastal environment.

“We are opposed to any development project that will detract from, not enhance, our community.”

The Kent Wildlife Trust had previously argued that Marsh harriers which breed and feed in the area could be “displaced” by the presence of the solar panels.