Proposals to roll out a sprawling solar farm capable of powering more than 9,000 homes are on the cusp of being ditched.
Planning chiefs have recommended Industria Solar Hengrove’s plans for arrays on 41.55 hectares of agricultural land in Manston to be thrown out.
Thanet District Council officers fear the renewable energy firm’s project could damage the landscape near Hengrove Farm.
Blueprints which surfaced last September reveal the Durham-based company planned to deliver 30 MW (Megawatts) of renewable electricity annually on two parcels of land.
But officers recently threw a fly in the ointment ahead of the district council’s planning committee hearing this week, where a crunch decision over the plans will be hammered out.
A new report laid bare by planning boss Helen Johnson expressed fears the plans would have a major visual impact on prime agricultural land.
She said the development's 40-year lifespan was not substantial enough to compensate for the damage and stressed wildlife concerns.
“The environmental harm arising from the significant visual impact outweighs the environmental climate change benefits from the provision of renewable energy generation and other benefits.
“The identified harm can not be mitigated without resulting in a fundamental change to the landscape character of the area.
“As it stands, the application should be refused on the lack of Skylark mitigation as this has not yet been adequately secured through a legal agreement.”
If plans are approved, Industria hopes the array will be accessed via the existing farm track and return to agricultural use after 40 years of generating power.
The scheme would also include a substation, parts workshop, security measures, and associated landscaping.
Industria says the energy supply would be enough to meet the needs of around 9,458 homes every year and save approximately 6,114 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
The project which has atracted one public objection, previously gained the support of the Manston Parish Council.
Green-led Folkestone and Hythe District Council recently rejected a similar solar farm proposal capable of powering 5,000 homes amid concerns it would visually harm the landscape.
Sitting within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, planning officers had also recommended that members reject the scheme.
A final decision on the fate of the proposed Thanet solar farm is expected on Wednesday.
