MP Helen Whately has promised to do all she can to help Headcorn after chairing a meeting to hear views on proposals for a solar farm in the village.

The gathering at the village hall attracted more than 150 villagers and some had to stand.

They were there to hear about controversial plans submitted to Maidstone council by Solar Securities to create a 29,400 panel solar farm across 28 acres of agricultural land at Great Tong Farm.

The company said the farm would supply sufficient renewable energy to power 1,029 households in the Maidstone borough and help reduce carbon gas emission and global warming.

The plans include the construction of two inverter stations, a substation, control room, general storage building, security fencing and security camera system.

Richard Knox Johnston, vice president of CPRE Kent, spoke of his concerns that the development would have on the landscape, saying the site would be seen in views from the Greensand Ridge and in addition was in close proximity to 23 listed buildings - including seven on Tong Farm itself.

Shellina Prendergast speaking for Protect Our Weald pointed out the value of the agricultural land had been down-graded from classes 3A and 3B previously to class 3B and 4 in the latest application, contrary to evidence gathered by the group’s own agricultural specialists.

She also criticised the firm for its lack of community engagement - it had held only one meeting about the scheme back in 2013.

Solar Securities was invited to the meeting, but was unable to be present. Project manager Rupert Warwick said that although the invitation had been emailed to the company on Monday, he did not open it until that Friday morning.

Residents were particularly concerned about the possible increased flooding risk and about contamination of the River Beult. One side of the proposal site is bordered by a stream that is a direct tributary of the Beult.

County Councillor Jenny Whittle said she had concerns about the access, down a single-track country lane, which she said she would be taking up with Kent Highways.

Ward councillors Martin Round and Richard Thick were both present but had to refrain from airing their views in case they compromised their position when the issue came before the borough’s planning committee later.

After hearing repeated objections to the proposal throughout the evening, Mrs Whittle asked whether anyone would like to speak in favour.

No-one did.

Headcorn Parish Council has yet to make its decision on the plans. It will do so at its meeting on Wednesday, October 14, at 8pm in the Longmeadow room at the village hall in Church Lane. All welcome.

Villagers have an extension of time to write to Maidstone Borough Council with their views on the application. The deadline for responses is now October 15. Quote planning application number 15/505974.