Villagers are up in arms over “appalling” plans to build a 10-acre energy storage plant which they claim will “destroy” farmland and ruin the green belt landscape.

Energy firm EcoDev is seeking permission to erect a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility off Foxhounds Lane, in Southfleet.

It is proposing to build the scheme on farmland, where there is currently a barn used for storage, between the village and Betsham and the A2.

If approved, 140 battery units, 140 inverters, 70 transformers, a new access road, a storage facility, CCTV, fencing and a substation will be included and will be in operation for up to 40 years.

According to the planning documents, it would have a capacity of 300 megawatts (MW) and power more than 124,000 homes.

It works by charging the battery when there is excess power available and then exporting it back to the grid when it is needed.

The planning statement says it is a “vital balancing service” to the National Grid and believes using a small area of agricultural land can be supported for this reason.

It adds: “This is an essential and important function which should not be overlooked.”

However, at the time of writing, more than 100 objections have been lodged against the scheme with only two written supporting it.

Lyn Carter is opposed to the proposals. The 76-year-old said: “I think the plan is appalling. I cannot believe anyone would begin to think it would be acceptable to any community.

“One of my concerns is the impact it will have on future generations if we lose prime, agricultural land.

“With the advent of Brexit, concerns with Russia and Ukraine, the hardships and lack of food sources we experienced, particularly last year, if this does not show that we need to be self-sufficient, I do not know what we do need as a wake-up call.

“I am not unsympathetic to the farmers, they must be struggling and need to find ways of diversifying but we should be looking at ways we can support them.

“It is not easy for them but if I can treasure the few square yards I own surely it must be a privilege to own the acres they have.

“I would much rather we found ways to support the farmers to make their livelihood manageable than see them use the land like this and betray their heritage.”

Lyn, who lives near the proposed site in Park Coroner Road, said she is also concerned about whether the plant will contaminate the land and impact wildlife.

She added: “We are up in arms about it. It really will be a blight on the landscape in more ways than one.

“The lack of respect our council has for the county of Kent. It was known as the Garden of England but now we are just one big car park.

“We will not have a blade of grass standing before long.”

Neighbour Debbie Hockley agreed. She added: “It is not why we moved to the country. It will destroy it.

“Everyone is concerned. I am absolutely devastated, I cannot stop thinking about it.”

Another resident - who did not wish to be named - said she fears the example it could set if the plans are approved by the council.

The 56-year-old said: “It is quite distressing really if it goes ahead. It will set a dangerous precedent in the area.

“This could have serious implications for all of the green belt in the future. It is just horrendous.”

Southfleet Parish Council has also said it is against the plans and wants to see the “character and openness” of the green belt protected.

Chairman Cllr Ian Brown said: “We have provided comments strongly opposing the industrialisation of open high-grade agricultural land proposed by the application.

“We share residents concerns with any loss of the green belt landscape and the impact on Southfleet and Betsham parishioners.”

Despite this, the applicant said the development will not significantly impact the landscape or residents.

Two letters supporting the scheme have been submitted from people living in Gravesend and Gillingham.

One said: “Projects like these are desperately needed to support the energy transition from a centralised system powered by fossil fuels to a decarbonised decentralised system.

“Unfortunately to protect the green belt of the future we will need to use some of it now as we move to a new era in energy generation.”

The other added: “It is crucial to prioritize investments in alternative energy to pave the way for a sustainable future, moving away from reliance on fossil fuels.

“Any objections often stem from a minority simply resistant to change. I encourage everyone to endorse this proposal and support the path of progress."

To see more planning applications and other public notices for your area, click here.

Dartford council’s jurisdiction is 53% metropolitan green belt - where stricter planning rules apply - due to its proximity to the London Borough of Bexley.

A decision on the plans is expected by July 17.