Solar panels producing enough electricity to power 22,500 homes could be installed on land near two villages

Renewable energy firm RES is in the early planning stages of its bid to erect a solar farm between Horton Kirby and Fawkham, near Dartford.

Known as Chimmens Solar Farm, it is thought that the project, between Mussenden Lane and the M20, would be capable of generating up to 49.9MW of clean, low-cost, renewable electricity.

This would be enough to power around 22,500 homes and save up to 15,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year compared to fossil fuels.

Development project manager, Pauric McCloskey, said: “Chimmens Solar Farm presents a perfect opportunity to provide clean, renewable electricity, which helps fight climate change – the biggest threat our generation is facing.

“We are keen to talk to the local community about our ideas for Chimmens and hear what they have to say, to help guide us as we develop our plans.”

As the project is still in its early stages, it is not yet known how many solar panels there will be or how large the site will be.

The fields, known as Chimmens, have been chosen for its good solar irradiation levels, as it is close to grid connection and lies outside of any statutory environmental, ecological, archaeological and landscape designations.

RES is hoping to submit a planning application later this year and is holding a public exhibition on July 10, at Fawkham Village Hall, Valley Road, Longfield.

The project team will be available from 2pm to 7pm to share information about the development, answer any questions, and receive feedback on the preliminary design.

Residents can provide comments on the exhibition until July 31.