A month-long consultation has been launched over plans for a huge solar farm which would stretch across swathes of countryside.

Evolution Power has said its Stonestreet Green Solar project, which would cover about 400 acres of farmland near Ashford, could "act as a buffer to future housing development" in the area.

The solar array would consist of photovoltaic panels and battery storage – and would cover an area close to Aldington roughly the size of around 250 football pitches.

Proposals for multiple solar facilities have led villagers concerned about plans for a total of 650 acres of panels around Aldington to form a campaign group.

Evolution Power has now announced it will be carrying out "a non-statutory consultation" until Friday, April 29 to seek views on its vision for the project.

Giles Frampton, a director at the firm, said: "If approved, Stonestreet Green Solar would make a significant contribution to the UK's renewable energy generating capacity, saving around 37,000 tonnes of CO2 each year.

"The project would generate subsidy-free electricity, without public financial support and, as solar is the cheapest form of electricity generation worldwide, it would also help to reduce national power prices and provide security to the UK's energy supply, reducing our reliance on energy imports and fossil fuels."

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

Evolution Power says it 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."

The information events as part of the consultation will be held at: Sellindge Village Hall on April 8 between 3pm and 7pm; Aldington Village Hall on April 9 between 11am and 3pm; Bilsington Village Hall on April 12 between 1pm and 5pm; Mersham Sports Club on April 13 between 2pm and 6pm.