South Brooks Solar Farm
South Brooks Solar Farm is proposed for land around Lydd by EDF power solutions UK and PS Renewables. The land is largely within the Folkestone and Hythe district but a small part sits in the neighbouring Rother District Council area.
The proposal is for a solar and battery development capable of delivering 500MW of renewable electricity with the potential to power 140,000 homes each year. The supply of electricity would be connected to the National Grid through a substation such as the one at Dungeness.
The companies propose 100m buffer zones between the proposed solar installations and nearby homes.
Size
The proposal is being considered for seven parcels of land totalling 1094 hectares (2703 acres). The companies state that it is not expected to use all the land for generating and storing energy.
Consultation
A consultation on the early plans is being held between 18 September and 30 October 2025. Five in-person sessions are planned and there is more information on the South Brooks website.
A second consultation is due to follow in Summer 2026.
Decision maker
As the development proposes to produce in excess of 100 MW the application has to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate. After the proposals have been scrutinised and the planning inspectors have made a recommendation, the final decision will be made by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
As the local authority, Folkestone & Hythe District Council will be consulted on the final planning proposal.