Plans for up to 30,000 solar panels in the green belt have been proposed but residents fear it could “set a precedent” for building in the area.

Wessex Solar Energy says the 38-acre site near Farningham and Brands Hatch will produce enough energy to power 5,600 homes, but some residents aren’t enthused by the bid.

Plans for the project, being dubbed Gabrielspring Wood Solar Park, were submitted to Sevenoaks District Council at the start of November.

Proposed by Wessex Solar Energy, the facility is expected to generate 17.5 megawatts (MW) of power, and consist of up to 30,000 panels, depending on the chosen model.

The firm adds: “It is estimated that the solar park would produce enough electricity to supply the average annual electricity needs of around 5,620 households.”

The site the firm plans to build on - about 1.4km away from Brands Hatch and less than 1km from Farningham - is just under 38 acres of agricultural land, which is currently being used.

If approved, the panels would be there for 40 years and then removed, with the firm confirming: “A period of aftercare would ensure the successful transition back into sole agriculture use.”

One commenter wrote on SDC’s planning portal: “I feel that there are better places to put solar panels than over our beautiful countryside.

“Commercial buildings, car parks and all new builds should be the first consideration.

“It's a travesty to destroy our countryside at no gain to the surrounding area.”

The fields to be developed are entirely within the metropolitan green belt, which covers 93% of Sevenoaks’ district.

However, Wessex Solar Energy stresses that planning rules allow building in the green belt for important infrastructure projects such as energy.

“Green belt is the only location for large-scale renewable energy generation within the SDC authority,” it added.

Villager Su Hewitt said: “We're all worried the north of the district is seen as the path of least resistance rather than look at the practicalities of the issues from things like Pedham Place, Wasps stadium, and solar panels for the district.”

Under SDC’s Local Plan - a document that outlines the vision and framework for the future development of an area - land near Farningham could also host a 2,500-home new settlement called Pedham Place, and rugby giants Wasps have expressed an interest in building a massive stadium, hotel and training complex in the same area.

However, the team revealed earlier this month they have an option to build on land in Swanley.

Ms Hewitt continued: “From what I can understand it’s fairly unintrusive, compared to the 16km of visibility of Pedham Place from all around the district.

“So actually compared to that it’s fairly unconcerning, but I think residents are very concerned that this could set a precedent.

“We’re also really concerned that, because we’ve got a good supply here to the grid, everything is going to be put here, which is obviously very upsetting for everybody in terms of green belt.”

Another resident wrote to SDC to describe the plans as “a waste of good arable land that could be used for livestock or arable farming”.

The green belt is intended “to prevent urban sprawl and preserve the openness and beauty of the countryside,” argued another.

“The solar panels, battery storage, inverter cabins, substation, fencing, and CCTV cameras would create an industrial appearance and clutter the landscape, which is currently composed of fields, hedgerows and trees.”

In July, SDC planning bosses rejected plans for a much bigger solar farm directly across the M20 from the proposed Gabrielspring Wood facility.

Called Chimmens Solar Farm, the project was intended to produce 49.9MW, and sit between Horton Kirby and Fawkham.

But SDC rejected the application, which would have covered about 245 acres of green belt.

It is not yet known when SDC will decide on the Gabrielspring Wood application, but a deadline of February 14 has been set.

The developers say that if approved “it is anticipated that construction could start in spring 2025 and last for a period of about six months”.