BRITTON COURT
SOLAR FARM

Renewable Connections is investigating the potential for a solar farm up to 38MW(ac) with 30MW Battery Storage facility north of Tyler Hill, Kent. Once operational, the project could supply enough power for up to 15,000 homes, and provide a valuable support to the existing grid network.

As we prepare an application to submit to Canterbury City Council, Renewable Connections is undertaking consultation to inform local communities of our proposed plans and invite any feedback. We will be hosting a Public Exhibition Event on Tuesday 8th October 2024 from 3pm to 7pm at St Stephens Community Centre, Tenterden Drive, Canterbury, CT2 7BN.

If you are unable to attend the consultation event please feel free to contact us directly for more information about the project.

We welcome any feedback you wish to provide so please do get in touch

 

QUICK FACTS

7,479 tonnes
of CO2 saved annually

41,098 megawatt hours supplied each year

Equivalent annual energy needs of up to 15,164 homes

These figures are calculated using the following references. Last updated 22/06/23

Please note that these figures are representative of the first year of generation only. As new renewable energy projects are built, the electricity grid will de-carbonise and the relative carbon dioxide emissions avoided per year will reduce.  This and all of Renewable Connections projects make a positive impact towards the UK’s net-zero targets

LOCATION

The site proposed for Britton Court Solar Farm comprises approximately 56 hectares of land located north of Tyler Hill, Kent. The site comprises eight agricultural fields, situated at Britton Court Farm and Amery Court Farm which lie between Tyler Hill (in the south) and Radfall (in the north). Hackington Road divides the site into 2 parcels.

Our plans are still in the development stages, so our design proposals will evolve as we gather local input and consider the results of our environmental assessments. Early engagement with the Local Planning Authority, County Council and key stakeholders has commenced.

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OUR PROPOSALS

If consented and installed, the solar farm will have a capacity of up to 38MW(ac) and will be operational for up to 40 years. After that time, all of the installations will be removed and the land restored to how it was before, but with improved soil health and biodiversity due to being left fallow. The battery storage facility will provide 30MW capacity of energy storage, which will support the existing grid network. The power generated will be exported to the grid via 132 kV under ground cable connection to the Herne Bay Bulk Supply Point.

The solar panels will be installed in rows, which run east to west through the site. These rows will be tilted towards the south to capture the maximum amount of solar irradiation possible. The total height of the panels will be no more than 3m above the ground with a gap of more than 0.8m above the ground at its minimum.

Small electric cabins will be located amongst the panels and these will be accessed by a network of crushed stone track which will run through the site. All of the panels will be surrounded by security fencing to protect the equipment from large animals entering the site. CCTV cameras will be located periodically around the site perimeter for security and face inwards.

The development will also involve additional landscaping including hedgerow planting and improved biodiversity management. Land between and beneath the panels can be used for biodiversity enhancements and as seasonal grazing for sheep or crop growing if desired. The site is currently agricultural land with low ecological value, however with the implementation of a biodiversity management plan the site will be significantly enhanced for biodiversity by creating a range of new habitats, offering food and shelter to wildlife. 

 

PROJECT TIMELINE

STAGE 1

Site selection
Autumn 2022

STAGE 2

Preliminary Surveys
Spring 2024

STAGE 3

Pre-application
Spring 2024

STAGE 4

Community Consultation
Autumn 2024

STAGE 5

Submission
Winter 2024

STAGE 6

Construction
Winter 2025

THE NEED FOR THE PROJECT

Following the Government’s declaration of an “Environment and Climate Emergency” in May 2019, the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) advised that to meet ‘Net Zero’ targets, the UK will require substantial amounts of new, low carbon power sources to be built before 2050, up to four times that of today’s levels.

Canterbury City Council declared their own climate emergency in 2019 and has since prepared the Climate Change Action Plan 2021-2030 of which a key focus is facilitating investments and the delivery of renewable energy infrastructure in the district.

Solar is one of the cleanest, cheapest forms of energy available. Britton Court Solar Farm would make a meaningful contribution to the energy needs of Kent and the UK by delivering green energy to up to 15,000 homes annually. The battery storage facility will provide vital balancing infrastructure which will support the existing grid network. 

FAQ’s

Why this location?

This site has been identified following extensive site selection across Kent which took into account environmental designations, local electricity network access and capacity, the physical characteristics of the site, and a supportive landowner. Primarily, the site has been chosen because of its existing screening from local and wider views and its suitable topography and size.  

Further analysis and surveys were undertaken to better understand ecology and landscape impacts, and other factors such as flood risk, ecology, landscape and access

Will there be any impacts on local roads?

For a period of approximately 6 months during construction, there will be deliveries of equipment to site. Renewable Connections will put in place measures to manage impacts of construction traffic and these measures will be included in a Construction Traffic Management Plan that will be submitted with the planning application. There will be infrequent maintenance visits to the site during operation.

Will there be any permanent impact?

Solar farms are temporary and the land will be fully reinstated to farmland once the equipment is removed at the end of the project life. The land is not brownfield land, and is not able to be converted into residential or commercial development following the decommissioning of the site.

Does solar pose a health risk?

No – solar is a passive technology which doesn’t produce any harmful by-products. The BESS facility has integral monitoring and fire suppression with a remote shut-down capability.

How long will the project be there?

The development proposes a life span of up to 40 years from commencement of generation. No later than this, the development would be decommissioned, and the site returned to solely agricultural use. A decommissioning plan will be provided with the planning submission.

Are solar farms and battery farms noisy?

No – solar farms are not noisy, producing no more than normal background levels of sound similar to wind or distant traffic beyond the site boundary. The BESS facility contains a number of measures to mitigate against increased noise levels.

What are the benefits to the local community?

Renewable Connections is committed to maximising benefits for the Local Community. We will establish a Community Benefit Fund and support local good causes. The project will incorporate a range of ecological and wildlife enhancements on site.

GET IN TOUCH

brittoncourtsolarfarm@renewableconnections.co.uk
0800 254 5011

Britton Court Energy Centre Limited
LDN:W,
3 Noble Street,
London,
EC2V 7EE

 

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