A solar farm the size of 30 football pitches in rural Kent is set to be refused next week.

RNA Energy first put forward plans for a 55-acre solar farm at Pent Farm in Postling in December 2022.

The site, north of the M20 between Folkestone and Ashford, would feature solar panels up to three metres tall, according to the project’s website.

Covering six arable fields, the farm would have a generation capacity of 18 megawatts.

The development is up for approval at Folkestone & Hythe District Council’s (FHDC) planning committee on Tuesday. However, the authority’s planning chiefs are recommending it be turned down.

Officers write that the development is “contrary to local and national planning policies”.

But they also note that the developers’ consultation resulted in 57 responses from residents, “with a majority expressing support for the proposals and a need to switch to renewable energy”.

The report adds: “The development would theoretically supply up to 5,568 houses in the district, equivalent to approximately 11% of existing houses, or 56% of the almost 10,000 homes proposed at the new Otterpool development.”

The site sits within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Both Natural England and the Kent Downs team have objected, saying the installation would negatively affect the landscape.

Planning bosses at FHDC agree, saying councillors should reject the bid as it would “result in significant harm to the visual character of the area and thus impact on the enjoyment of the area by receptors using the local public rights of way”.

Cllr Stephen Scoffham (Green), cabinet member for climate and environment, says he’s “conflicted” about the plans.

He says a solar farm is “really good news and in principle something one would want to support – but the question is, is this the best use of this land”.

“I can see really good reasons why it has to be rejected,” such as its location in the AONB, he argued.

“We are strongly in favour of renewables but in the right pace and the right scale. The question is is this the right place and is this the right scale?”

FHDC says that when they consulted neighbours they got 21 letters of objection and only five in support.

Tim Smith wrote in to the council’s planning portal, saying: “I object to farmland being used for solar farms. Solar panels should be on existing buildings and brownfield sites.

“Locations of AONB should never be exploited for financial gain in the cynical claim of saving the planet.”

Philippa Redding wrote: “Of course, there is a need for more secure, sustainable energy supplies but it is not on productive farmland.

“How do you return land that has been occupied by solar panels and their infrastructure for 40 years back to good farming land?

“It will be more like low-grade brownfield land, ripe for building.”

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RNA Energy says that over the 40-year lifetime of the solar farm, it would generate £1.44m in business rates for the council.

Both of the nearby parish councils of Postling and Stanford have objected to the plans.

Some praised the plans, however, with Robert J Bristow writing: “I believe in this technology and the benefits it can bring to our planet and local environment.

“I live close by and believe we all need to do our part in accommodating such new green infrastructure.”

Pete Raine added: “I am a local resident of 35 years standing, and a lifelong naturalist and environmentalist.

“I support this application. Climate change is real, and the need for renewable energy is urgent.”

Dr Sarah Montgomery backed the plans, writing to FHDC praising RNA Energy’s proposals for wildflower and hedgerow planting across the site to improve biodiversity.

“The plans for Pent Farm include measures to increase biodiversity in the area by creating additional, diverse habitats for the local wildlife to flourish,” she said.