A field near Sittingbourne could become a centre of solar power. Land to the north of Bobbing has been earmarked for a site big enough to generate electricity for nearly 4,000 homes.

Discussions are at an early stage and a planning application has yet to be drawn-up.

A meeting was held at Bobbing village hall to sound out villagers for their thoughts.

Rupert Warwick, a manager at Solar Securities the company behind the project, said: “Our first pubic consultation was very constructive and we will present a more detailed proposal on our findings at a second consultation in four weeks’ time.”

The scheme is in response to the government’s plan for 20% of the country’s electricity to come from a renewable source by 2020.

Mr Warwick said the UK was currently “well below that figure”.

It is not yet known how many panels are being lined-up, but the 74-acre privately-owned land, at the junction of Coldharbour Lane and Rook Lane, will have a capacity of 13 megawatts – enough power to supply 3,700 homes.

As the site crosses the boundary of Bobbing and Newington, parish councils in both villages can expect a one-off payment if the development goes ahead.

But Mr Warwick said there were various processes to go through before a concrete plan was put in place.

An ecological and environmental survey is being carried out, and once the results are known, a second public consultation will take place.

Mr Warwick, whose company are also looking to develop Kent sites in Bearsted and Tong, near Headcorn, said: “We’re keen to talk to local people about any concerns they have.

“We will present a more detailed proposal on our new findings at the second consultation, the details of which we will advertise in the local press and on the Solar Securities website.

“A letter will also be posted to members of the local community.”

For more information on Solar Securities click here