Plans for a solar farm and battery energy storage system (BESS) in England have been given the green light.
Renewable Connections has secured planning approval to build Britton Court Solar Farm in Kent, which will generate enough renewable energy for up to 15,000 homes.
The 38MW solar and 30MW BESS site is located north of Tyler Hill and will be built on approximately 56 hectares of land.
The planning application was approved by Canterbury City Council under delegated powers. Renewable Connections said the timely decision ensures the project can be included within the NESO Gate 2 submission window.
Renewable Connections’ chief executive Michael Hughes said: “We welcome the decision by Canterbury City Council to approve the Britton Court Solar and BESS project.
“During the consultation, the local community and elected members were highly engaged, and we appreciate their feedback and input into the early-stage designs.
“Once operational, the project will help to tackle the climate emergency in Kent, supplying renewable energy to up to 15,000 homes. The site itself will see a biodiversity uplift of over 100% as a result of implementing a package of landscape, ecological, and biodiversity benefits.”
Biodiversity and landscape improvements will include enriched grassland, enhanced hedgerows, 25 new skylark plots and other hibernacula such as small, buried rubble piles suitable for reptile species, amphibians and insect life.
The site comprises eight agricultural fields, situated at Britton Court Farm and Amery Court Farm which lie between Tyler Hill (in the south) and Radfall (in the north). Hackington Road divides the site into two parcels.