Irish PV project developer BNRG Renewables has obtained a 25-year planning permission from Shepway District Council’s Development Control Committee for its proposed 18MW solar array in New Romney in Kent.

The utility-scale project will be constructed on approximately 49 hectares of land at Sycamore Farm and will be equipped with around 73,000 solar panels, which each have a capacity of 245 watts. However, BRNG Renewables has confirmed that it has not yet selected a module supplier.

During the application process a small number of letters of objections were sent, including one from Protect Kent, a local branch of national countryside body the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

In a statement sent to Solar Power Portal, BNRG Renewables commented: “We are very pleased with the decision made by Shepway District Council's Development Control committee for this site.

“We have worked proactively to incorporate feedback from stakeholders and local residents into our plans and have had positive feedback on the application as a result, with fewer than 10 letters of objection. We remain committed to ensuring that as well as generating a significant amount of renewable energy, this project will also be well-screened and will increase local biodiversity.

“We hope to commence construction in the near future and will remain available to local residents throughout the construction period.”