The proposed size of a “monstrous” solar farm has ballooned to the equivalent of 128 football pitches.

When first put forward, the project, which is earmarked for farmland in Ash, near Sandwich, was to stretch over 180 acres.

However, this has now increased to 206 acres in a formal planning application lodged with Dover District Council (DDC).

South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay says the location, at Goshall Valley in East Street, is “wholly wrong”, while unhappy residents argue the farmland is the only green space between Ash and Sandwich.

But the applicant, Little South Clean Energy Limited, says the site, which will be operational for up to 40 years, will reduce C02 emissions and not “unacceptably” impact the natural environment.

Writing to DDC, resident Valerie Jordan says: “I strongly object to the destruction of a huge area of agricultural land producing cereal and grazing, thus endangering our food security.

“The magnitude of the site will turn the only remaining green countryside space between Ash and Sandwich into an industrial eyesore, damaging local tourism and businesses.”

Claire Librey raised concerns about birdlife, writing: “Swans graze this land and barn owls hunt here. Not to mention all types of marsh birds including snipe, lapwings, already endangered, and thousands of all year round migrating visitors.

“No birds can safely land on areas covered in solar panels. It would be a total environmental disaster if this development goes ahead.”

Speaking about the increase in size, Mr Mackinlay told KentOnline: "The increase in footprint of this monstrous development will be hugely disappointing to local residents.

“The location for this is both wholly wrong and unnecessary given the wildlife and archaeological impact in an area of outstanding beauty.

“The destruction of a visual amenity will be permanent and there would be no benefit to local residents who would be severely affected.”

However, not everyone is opposed to the proposal, which would add to the growing number of solar farms in Kent.

Writing to the council, George Mummery says: “This seems a sensible and well thought out plan to provide much needed additional electricity generation with little or no visual or environmental impact on the area and it's surroundings.”

Details of the scheme were published last year to gauge public opinion.

A protest group called Ash Solar Farm Residents Group then set up a campaign website called Save Ash Level, named after a wildlife area that protesters fear would be affected by the development.

They also believe it could cause traffic access problems with new vehicle movements from the development. They add that the solar farm would be next to Richborough Roman Fort, so would further spoil the look of the area.

The development would be called Little South Solar Farm and would give electricity to up to 15,870 homes a year. The panels would be 2.7 metres (8ft 8in) high.

Construction is estimated to take up to 12 months, from 2026/27 to 2027/28.

After 40 years, the farm and its equipment would be decommissioned and removed, and the site reinstated to its existing use.

A statement to the council from application agents Stantec says the solar farm would support the authority’s efforts to become carbon neutral 2030.

It says: “The UK electricity network faces exceptional challenges to meet the government’s target of reducing carbon emissions.

‘The location for this is both wholly wrong and unnecessary...’

“Dover District Council declared a climate emergency (in November 2019), committing to an even tougher target of becoming a carbon neutral authority by 2030.

“This development will contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions and will assist with the council in realising its carbon neutral target.

“The proposal is acceptable and will not unacceptably impact on landscape sensitivity or the natural environment, noting the substantial benefits of the scheme, particularly in relation to the production of green energy.”