Hundreds of residents have signed a petition against plans for Kent’s biggest solar farm amid fears the scheme will cause “irreversible damage”.

Energy firm Low Carbon wants to create a 500-megawatt (MW) facility on Romney Marsh, producing enough electricity for 140,000 properties.

Up to 1,482 acres of land around the village of Old Romney have been earmarked for the scheme, called South Kent Energy Park, which would be split by the A259.

Neighbours first found out about the proposals when they received a leaflet in the post last month.

Some say they have been left “shocked” by the scale of the plans which would cover the size of more than 840 football pitches.

Now, following two in-person consultation events held by the developers, a petition has been signed by more than 300 residents worried about what the solar farm will mean for the countryside.

The campaign was started by Brookland resident Jack Glass who has described the scheme as “madness” and “deeply concerning”.

“It poses a significant threat to our local environment, risks reducing the value of people’s homes, and disregards the character of the Romney Marsh,” he said.

“The response has been incredible, and it’s clear that many share my concerns about this project.

“The level of engagement has surpassed my expectations, showing how much our community values the preservation of our area.

“Renewable energy is important, but this project feels like an ill-conceived plan that sacrifices too much.

“Instead, I believe we should explore more balanced solutions, like building another nuclear plant at Dungeness.”

Bluebell Martin, who lives in New Romney, says she has been left “feeling sick at the scale of it”.

She attended one of the consultation events held by the developers last month.

“The solar company has said it will have ecologists to survey the site but they employ them, which is where we have little trust in the outcome,” she said.

“They say they will give a bit of space for wildlife but they have no clue how much to give.

“They talk of 25 metres from homes but there are little owls at a farm - is 25 metres enough for them to hunt?

“If there is no farming, the wildlife that co-exists there currently will lose its food source.

“Why is such a huge area being used - why can’t it be spread to other areas instead of decimating such a large area?”

The petition lists concerns about “irreversible environmental damage”, increased flood risks, the loss of agricultural land and the “destruction of local character and heritage”.

If the solar farm does go ahead as planned, the fields directly behind Dave and Belinda Cripps’s garden will be covered in panels.

The couple, who have lived in Old Romney for more than 40 years, say they have questions that need answering before they decide whether or not to support the petition.

Mrs Cripps said: “We have the developer coming down this week for a one-to-one meeting with us and we have a lot of questions to ask them.

“I think compensation for householders should be available because it will devalue homes as they will be more difficult to sell if surrounded by solar panels.

“We are sitting on the petition at the moment.

"We are not in favour of it, but we are not against renewable energy, we just need some more facts before we can make an informed decision.

"It would be easier to swallow if we knew it would do what they say it is going to do.”

Mr and Mrs Cripps, who are both on Old Romney Parish Council, are urging as many residents as possible to share their views with the developers, who are taking comments on their proposal until Friday, December 20.

"It's easy to sign a petition, but everyone who signs it should then put their feedback forward in the consultation,” added Mrs Cripps.

“It's a short turnaround at one of the busiest times of year for a lot of people, but it is so important that as many people as possible do it.”

To take part in the consultation, click here.

Plans are yet to be submitted but Low Carbon says the site, if built, will become one of the UK’s largest solar farms, and the largest ever seen in Kent.

Bosses say the sprawling facility will be connected to the National Grid either via an existing substation in Dungeness or a new substation proposed to be built nearby.

Another solar farm is already in operation in Old Romney between Beggarsbush Lane and Millbank Lane.

Plans for any solar farm of 50MW or more do not go through the local council for permission - they are treated as nationally significant infrastructure projects.

Instead, massive solar facilities need to get a Development Consent Order from the government, after a long permission process.

With this in mind, district councillor for Walland and Denge Marsh Alan Martin (Con) asked Folkestone and Hythe District Council leader Jim Martin (Green) how the authority can ensure residents’ voices are heard.

Speaking at a council meeting on November 27, Cllr Martin responded by saying: “The council will be consulted on the application at the pre-application stage and will have 28 days to provide comments on any proposals.

“The council's formal view will be considered by the planning committee.

“I would urge all those who have concerns to make their representations to the applicant.

“It is at this stage we have the greatest influence to secure changes to the proposals to overcome any concerns we may have.

“The applicants have a duty to take all views into account.

“I do have concerns about the size of the installation and I do not understand what the proposals would offer in terms of reduction of visual impact and how the land would impact valuable farming land.

“It is my intention to write to the developers and voice my concerns on behalf of the people of Folkestone and Hythe.

“When I receive a response, it will ensure all Romney Marsh councillors also receive a copy.”

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

Commenting on the concerns, James Hartley-Bond, project development director at Low Carbon, said the company “received a good response to our first round of community engagement events, where a broad range of views were expressed”.

“We enjoyed meeting members of the community and continue to encourage those who live and work near the project site to submit feedback on our proposals,” he said.

“Meeting residents and working with the community at this stage is crucial to ensure we minimise the impact of South Kent Energy Park.”

Low Carbon is hosting an online consultation event on Thursday, December 12 from 6.30pm to 8pm.

Pre-registration is required and questions will be taken at the end of the presentation.