Plans for a 50-acre solar farm near Ashford have been approved by councillors.

The 50-acre site - the equivalent of 20 football pitches - could be located in Shadoxhurst.

It is believed Ashford Borough Council would be the first local authority in the UK to build and run its own solar farm, if the project goes ahead.

The authority bought the land in 2017 and it is currently used for grazing with little scope for alternative agricultural use.

Following advice from the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE), the proposal is for a system 9MWp (9 megawatts or 9000KWp) in size that would directly feed the national grid.

Cabinet members agreed that, subject to planning approval and public consultation, a solar farm was the optimal use for the site and would provide a significant income stream while having a low environmental impact.

The installation will consist of rows of frames each holding several panels in order to have minimal impact on the ecology of the field and to enable grazing to continue.

It is estimated that the project could generate £7 million over a 25 year period.

The council says the project will support the reduction of the borough's carbon footprint and contribute toward tackling the climate change.

A consultation will now be carried out with parish councils and the community which will inform the planning application.

If the project then proceeds to a formal planning application there will be a further statutory consultation.

Further expertise would also be sought at planning and procurement stage from APSE.

Cllr Graham Galpin, portfolio holder for corporate property said: "At Ashford Borough Council we are proactively seeking ways in which we can secure funding in order to continue providing the services our residents need.

"We also feel it is our duty to take the lead on improving air quality by producing electricity through greener, more sustainable means.

"Of course, we will be carrying out a comprehensive local consultation as part of the planning process and, should the project come to fruition I am confident that this project will enable us to secure income in a way that actually has a positive effect on our borough’s carbon footprint."