A project to build a 114-acre “countryside-wrecking” solar farm in rural east Kent has been axed.

The proposals by international firm Green Switch Capital to install about 75,000 panels on land near Chilham have been rejected by Ashford Borough Council (ABC).

The development would also have seen a 2.4-metre security fence built to protect the sprawling site.

But ABC has refused the plans and says it would have “significant adverse impacts” on the rural landscape.

In their report turning down the scheme, the authority’s planning officer stated: “The development would be harmful to the setting of the Kent Downs National Landscape.

“It would also hurt the amenity and experience of users of the public rights of way, including the North Downs Way National Trail, and would cause less than substantial harm to the setting of designated heritage assets.

“The benefits of the proposed development would not outweigh the negatives.”

The solar farm would have had an operational lifespan of 40 years and could have provided enough power for up to 14,200 homes per year, applicants stated.

If the plans were approved, it would have been the size of 86 football pitches and was set to create up to 200 jobs during the construction phase.

It was titled the North Court Solar Farm, and was to be bisected by Lower Ensden Road and also sit beside part of Shalmsford Road, the route linking Old Wives Lees and Chartham - between Canterbury and Ashford.

A campaign group called Save Old Wives Lees from Industrial Solar (SOWLIS) was formed after plans were revealed in 2022. Members say they are delighted with the decision from ABC.

A spokesperson said: ”It is a great relief that Ashford Borough Council has decided that Old Wives Lees is the wrong place for an industrial solar power installation.

“The Planning Officer has refused permission on the basis that the benefits of the proposed development would not outweigh the significant adverse impacts to the rural landscape, be harmful to the setting of the Kent Downs National Landscape, and negatively affect the experiences of users of the North Downs Way National Trail.

“This is important for everyone who visits, works and lives in this beautiful area of Kent”.

The land in question sits on the boundary of the Ashford borough and Canterbury district, and neighbours the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

It was reported the development would have prevented 21,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide from polluting the air every year, while also claiming electricity prices would take a downturn thanks to increased competition in the renewable energy market.

Dr Hilary Newport of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) told KentOnline the proposed land is a site that “must be protected”.

“CPRE Kent accepts the overwhelming need for renewable energy and does not object to the vast majority of solar farm applications in the county, but we most certainly did object to this one, which would have blighted a truly beautiful stretch of countryside,” she said.

“The proposed site is crossed by the North Downs Way, a historic route giving wonderful views across rolling countryside; the Pilgrims’ Way also joins the North Downs Way here.

“There are some sites which must be protected from industrial development, and this is surely one of them.”

In a statement released on the CPRE website, it described the development as “countryside-wrecking”.

Elsewhere in the county, a solar farm which could power 5,000 homes has been rejected by the Green Party-controlled Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC).

The plans were for a 55-acre solar array - the size of 30 football pitches - at Pent Farm, Postling.

Proposals have also been put forward for a 400-acre solar farm near Aldington, Ashford which have been described as “monstrous” amid fears it would see house prices tumble for villagers.

Green Switch Capital has not responded to requests for comment.