A controversial application for a solar farm in Marden has been approved by councillors.

At a packed meeting of Maidstone council's planning committee last night, campaigners opposed to the application lobbied councillors.

Widehurst Energy Company wants to build a solar-farm just over half-a-mile from Marden village.

The site, known as Widehurst Farm, off Thorn Road, will have a 30-year life-span.

It power up to 1,500 homes across the Weald and will consist of 40 rows of solar panels.

Unlike the nearby Great Pagehurst Farm site which was thrown out by councillors at a planning meeting earlier this month, Marden Parish Council recommends plans are approved.

However, some residents didn't want to see the farm given the go-ahead and Maidstone council has received 18 letters of objection.

They raised concerns about the visual impact on the countryside, harm to local wildlife and little benefit to the community.

Five further letters were received supporting plans.

MP Helen Grant (Con), who has a house in Marden, said: “The proposed solar farm is in the midst of a very beautiful pastoral scene.

“There are two public footpaths close by that are well used by locals, ramblers and tourists every day.

“If this application were to proceed it would completely ruin the vista and the amenity of the locality.”

The Maidstone and Weald MP handed a survey of 956 nearby homes to Maidstone council’s planning department.

Findings show out of the 183 responses, 126 homes were against the application, 41 were in favour and 16 were undecided.

Despite objections, councillors approved the plans.

Meanwhile, council planners refused another application for a site near Headcorn.

Tong Farm, less than two miles from the village, would provide power for up to 1,000 homes.

Headcorn Parish Council wants to see the application refused, claiming it doesn’t fit within conditions raised in the neighbourhood plans.

It also says it would have a negative effect on the rural landscape in the village and they would like to see the land retained for agricultural use.

Letters of objections were also received from the Kent Historic Buildings Committee, Maidstone Ramblers, Protect Our Weald and from 64 residents.