Plans for a proposed solar park near Tunbridge Wells have been granted by the borough council.

The park will be installed on Capel Grange, situated southeast of Five Oak Green and west of Paddock Wood, and is expected to power around 1,780 homes in the surrounding area.

These proposed plans have been recommended for approval by the planning officer, and the 13.2 hectare development has also received backing from Capel Parish Council.

Renewable energy developer West Coast Energy has welcomed the decision by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to grant the plans for the Capel Grange Solar Park.

Once erected the solar panels will have a maximum height of 2.2m. Measures will be taken to protect the local ecology of the site by supporting the growth of grass and wild flowers between the solar panels.

Matt Hayes, Head of Planning & Project Management at West Coast Energy, said:

“We are delighted that Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Planning Committee have agreed with the planning officer’s recommendation and have voted to grant planning permission for Capel Grange Solar Park.”

Gordon Darbyshire, who runs the orchard business at Capel Grange Farm added: “Farming is increasingly competitive and unfortunately our main apple-growing business was becoming less and less viable.

"The steady income from the solar park will help sustain the remaining orchard on the surrounding, more suitable parts of the farm for years to come.”

Construction the solar park is expected to commence later this year.