BSR Energy’s proposals for Harp Farm Solar Park on land at Harp Farm, Harp Farm Road, Boxley, Maidstone, ME14 3ED would deliver the following:

•It will assist Maidstone Borough Council to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with local and national targets. Maidstone Borough Council declared a Biodiversity & Climate Change Emergency in May 2019.

•Assist a secure and stable supply of electricity to help meet the Government's target of net zero by 2050. 

•Enhancement to biodiversity – net gain of at least 60% (minimum government net gain required 10%). This is usually done through the planting of new hedgerows, gapping up of existing ones and planting wildflower meadows.

•Temporary development – After 40 years, the infrastructure will be removed, and agricultural use reinstated. If granted consent, decommissioning of the site is guaranteed as part of the planning condition.

•Generation of Business Rates to Local Council – additional income can be used by the Council to fund Council run services. 

•Given that the site is temporary, and farming activity is hard on the land, the fallow years brought about by the provision of solar on the site will provide will contribute to improving the soil quality and the condition of the land for agriculture in the future.