Project Updates
These are the latest project updates for Sheepwash Solar Farm.
Latest news
The project was approved by the Planning Inspectorate following a public inquiry.
It will generate up to 49.9MW of solar energy to power the equivalent of over 15,000 homes as well as benefits for nature and local people, including 57% biodiversity net gain, 2.2 hectares of new woodland and a community orchard, 2 new footpaths and 2.4km of new hedgerows.
We would like to thank everyone who engaged with us throughout the planning process and provided feedback.
As part of the appeal process, the Inspector agreed that some amendments could be made to the development and considered through the appeal.
A consultation on proposed scheme amendments took place from Tuesday 5 December to Friday 5 January. Local stakeholders were notified and invited to give feedback on these changes.
The planning application was refused by Maidstone Borough Council’s Planning Committee in October 2022. We remained confident that the solar farm proposal could deliver significant benefits, helping to tackle the climate crisis while boosting biodiversity and investing in the local community.
We submitted an appeal against this refusal to the Planning Inspectorate in April 2023 and an inquiry was held in January 2024.
We launched a digital public consultation on plans for a solar farm on land at Little Cheveney Farm between Claygate and Marden, Kent. The consultation was advertised with a leaflet drop to the local community and carried out in line with UK Covid guidance.
The project website had a consultation hub for residents to learn more about the proposals and there was a dedicated feedback section.