Renewable energy developer Renewable Connections has secured planning permission to build a 38-megawatt (MW) solar farm and 30MW battery energy storage system (BESS) in Kent, southeast England, the company said on Monday.
The Britton Court Solar Farm will be constructed on approximately 56 hectares of agricultural land between Tyler Hill and Radfall, north of Canterbury. The project, once operational, is expected to supply renewable electricity to up to 15,000 homes annually.
The application was approved by Canterbury City Council under delegated powers, enabling the developer to meet the submission window for the National Energy System Operator’s (NESO) Gate 2 process.
“We welcome the decision by Canterbury City Council to approve the Britton Court Solar and BESS project,” said Michael Hughes, Chief Executive of Renewable Connections. “During the consultation, the local community and elected members were highly engaged, and we appreciate their feedback and input into the early-stage designs.”
The site spans eight fields across Britton Court Farm and Amery Court Farm and is bisected by Hackington Road. In addition to energy generation, the developer said the project will deliver a significant biodiversity gain of more than 100% through measures including enriched grassland, enhanced hedgerows, and the creation of habitats such as skylark nesting plots and hibernacula for reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
“Once operational, the project will help to tackle the climate emergency in Kent,” Hughes added.
Construction timelines have not yet been announced.
