Agricultural land between Eastry and Chillenden could soon become a temporary solar farm for 25 years.

The latest move towards providing mega watts of power for the National Grid was approved on Thursday at the district council’s planning committee, despite objections from Goodnestone Parish Council.

A public meeting was held in the village to discuss the proposals for the site at Home Farm, Knowlton, when there were worries aired about the loss of grade one agricultural land and concerns that panels would be seen from higher countryside in the area.

But there were also letters of support from people backing the idea of the eco-friendly solution to protect the environment.

Debbie Marriage, from chartered town planning consultants Parker Dann, said the site at Knowlton would be “extremely well screened” and was not close to houses or overlooked by properties. She added that Little Tickenhurst was the only nearby home, although that was “quite a distance away” to the north.

Miss Marriage said: “The panels will be seen from the footpath that crosses the field, although planting will soften the view. We have had more letters of support that objections, which is testament to its careful siting.”

Planning officer Kim Bennett said a pill box on the site would be restored and an information panel put up about the Second World War field defence.

* For full story see the East Kent Mercury, Thursday, October 10.