A company has revealed plans for a large solar farm, less than five miles away from another proposed energy site.

British Solar Renewables (BSR) wants to develop on grassland off the Lower Road and Sheppey Way in Minsteron Sheppey.

Elmley Road Renewable Park would have rows of solar panels that could generate up to 27MW, along with a 35.7MW battery energy storage system (BESS).

BESSs work by storing power when supply outstrips demand. They can also transfer energy to the national grid when needed.

The project will include solar PV arrays – a group of interconnected solar panels – an underground cable, access tracks, security gates and CCTV.

Entry to the site would be via the A249 and then from a new access point in Sheppey Way.

After 40 years, the solar farm would be removed and agricultural use would be reinstated.

In the meantime, new hedgerows would be planted as well as wildflower meadows to help biodiversity.

If approved, construction would take around 12 months. BSR says the impact on the local road network would be “kept to a minimum”.

It added: “Once operational the site will encounter very low levels of traffic, this will be for maintenance reasons only.”

The renewable energy developer also intends to provide a community benefit fund of up to £206,400 to support local projects.

In April, renewable resources firm NatPower disclosed plans to develop a 1GW infrastructure – which is less than five miles away.

The 46-hectare site, west of Old Rides Farm and south of Leysdown Road, is also next to a solar farm and several wind turbines.

Swale council declared a climate and ecological emergency in June 2019 and the UK Government set a target of net zero by 2050.

“Given the current cost of living crisis, which includes soaring energy prices and concerns around energy security, providing locally sourced clean, green, and reliable energy production is more vital than ever,” the proposal went on to say.

“To meet this target and to address the climate emergency, the shift away from polluting fossil fuel sources towards green energy production is needed urgently.

“Solar power is the lowest cost and quickest to deploy of all energy sources. It is currently approximately one-ninth the cost of gas and less than one-third of the cost of nuclear.”

Pre-planning design and preparation took place at the end of last year, with the scheme now in the consultation period.

A drop-in public event will take place on Thursday, July 10, from 2pm to 7pm at Sheppey Hall in Main Road, Queenborough.

Residents can learn more about the proposal and talk to the project team.

You can email also feedback@alpacacommunications.com or fill out the online form on their website.

The project is expected to be finalised during the summer and a planning application submitted to Swale council in September.