A campaign group has been formed by villagers concerned about plans for giant solar farms on nearby countryside.

There are currently plans for a total of 650 acres of panels on land around Aldington south of the M20 motorway and close to the National Grid facility in Sellindge.

Evolution Power says its 400-acre Stonestreet Green Solar project could generate enough renewable energy to power about 48,000 homes, while EDF Renewables' proposed East Stour Solar Farm could power 17,000.

In response to the two planned developments, villagers have formed a Save Aldington action group to coordinate their response to the massive schemes.

Save Aldington spokesman Derek Burles said: "This is not a campaign to oppose the development of solar farms in Aldington, but is intended to ensure that such developments do not overwhelm the village and the East Stour Valley, which they stand to do based on the current plans and proposals.

"Launching our campaign now via a village-wide door-drop and a website means we shall be prepared for the battle ahead.

"Having a communication system across the village will enable us to provide all households with an accurate overview of the threat to Aldington as we know it, and for them to respond. This will in turn enable us to communicate effectively with the developers.

"In this way we will have the opportunity to speak with one, united voice throughout the consultation and planning process."

Evolution Power says its solar array - consisting of photovoltaic panels and battery storage on an area roughly the size of around 250 football pitches - could "act as a buffer to future housing development" in the area.

Power would be fed into the national network via a connection at the nearby Sellindge electrical substation.

Giles Frampton, director of Evolution Power, said: "The site at Stonestreet Green has been carefully selected for this project.

"The topography of the site and extensive existing hedgerows will help to minimise the visual impact of the project. In addition, Stonestreet Green will act as a buffer to future housing development, protecting the integrity of the village of Aldington for the next 40 years."