A company facing a four-fold rise in energy prices is aiming to invest in its future by installing solar panels.

The solar farm is planned for land surrounding Kent Auto Developments (KAD), which makes parts for old classic racing cars, in a bid to help them with their higher bills.

The firm, at Brooker Farm, Newchurch, Romney Marsh, has submitted a planning application to Folkestone and Hythe District Council for a total 256 panels, giving power of 140kilowatts.

They would be in eight blocks of 32 on grass by the existing farm buildings

A planning application statement from the company states: "Like many small businesses we are faced with huge increases in its energy costs.

"In the case of KAD this will be a four-fold increase in electrical costs.

"The company has chosen to make substantial investment for its future and install a small commercial sized solar array with battery storage."

The company said this was "to try and remain in a competitive position and ensure it is able to operate profitably and continue to provide employment".

Members of the public have not so far commented in the application on the district council's planning portal.

But Newchurch Parish Council and the Environment Agency have responded and say they raise no objections.

Kent Auto Developments manufactures engines, gearboxes and other parts for historic motorsports.

It hires 12 people and is the largest single employer in the small village of Newchurch.

In August the company was prosecuted after an employee had his arm lacerated due to an accident with a lathe, a metal-working tool.

The Health and Safety Executive investigated.

The company pleaded guilty at Folkestone Magistrates Court to breaching health and safety legislation and to not reporting the injury in time.

It was fined £12,000 and ordered to pay £6,349 in costs.

Several plans have been put forward to place solar panels in other parts of Kent in recent months.

At Guston near Dover, district councillors approved a giant farm to power 7,000 homes.

The development will be over 72 acres and be in use for 40 years.

And, applicants have begun a public consultation over a planned 55-acre solar farm at Postling in the Folkestone and Hythe district.

If built it would power around 3,800 homes.