Plans have been drawn up for a 55-acre solar farm on empty land in Kent.

RNA Energy envisages the new renewable energy facility being built on land between Folkestone and Ashford, on a site the equivalent to the size of 30 football pitches.

The firm has launched a public consultation to seek view of people living nearby ahead of submitting a planning application to Folkestone and Hythe District Council.

According to the project's website, the solar array at Pent Farm in Postling, which is north of the M20 and to the north east of Stanford, would feature photovoltaic solar panels up to three-metres high.

The solar farm could produce enough green energy to power around 3,800 homes.

A spokesman for RNA Energy said: "We are pleased to be bringing forward plans for a new solar project to Postling which will help reduce our energy prices and our reliance on international fossil fuel markets.

"As well as tackling climate change, one of our key commitments is to increase biodiversity within the area by planting wildflowers and hedgerows throughout the site.

"We are proud of our plans, and we look forward to hearing what those in the area think of our ideas."

This is not the only solar array planned for the countryside between Ashford and Folkestone.

Evolution Power's Stonestreet Green Solar project, which would cover about 400 acres of land near Ashford, would consist of photovoltaic panels and battery storage.

It would cover an area close to Aldington roughly the size of around 250 football pitches.

The firm behind the plans says it could generate enough renewable energy to power about 48,000 homes, saving roughly 37,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year.

"Councillors will be attending the public exhibition to gain a full and clear understanding of the proposals..."

Meanwhile, an EDF Renewables' proposal for a 250-acre solar farm - which is earmarked for fields near Ashford between Smeeth, Aldington and Sellindge - would produce enough electricity to power 17,000 homes a year.

RNA Energy is planning to stage a public consultation event at the village hall in Postling on Friday, December 16 from 4.40pm to 8pm.

The initial consultation period runs until Monday, December 19.

Postling Parish Council chairman Frank Hobbs said: "Parish councillors will be attending the public exhibition at Postling Village Hall to gain a full and clear understanding of the proposals."