Union4 have secured planning permission on appeal after a public inquiry for a 40MW solar farm at Vigo Lane and Wrens Road, Sittingbourne, Kent.

(Appeal Ref: APP/V2255/W/25/3360089)

The scheme, promoted by Industria Solar Vigo Ltd, was originally refused by Swale Borough Council, but was allowed on appeal by the Planning Inspectorate on 1 September 2025.  Union4 were instructed to progress the appeal following the earlier refusal.  

The Proposal

The approved development includes:

- A ground mounted solar farm generating up to 40MW of renewable energy

- Associated infrastructure including a control building, switch room, substations, access tracks and security 

- Extensive landscaping and biodiversity enhancements

Once operational, the scheme will generate enough clean energy to power around 11,500 homes annually, displacing over 8,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year.

Key Issues Considered

The Inspector carefully assessed the scheme against the Swale Local Plan, the setting of the Kent Downs National Landscape and national planning policy.

- Grid connection and site selection: A central factor in the Inspector’s decision was the site’s access to an existing 132kV point of connection, enabling direct connection to the grid. This ensured the scheme was both technically and economically viable while avoiding the environmental impacts of longer cable routes and limited site selection.

- Landscape and visual impact: Temporary, localised harm was identified, reducing over time as new hedgerows and planting mature. The Inspector found the scheme would not compromise the overall character and quality of the Kent Downs.

- BMV Agricultural land: While the site comprises Best and Most Versatile land, the Inspector noted the small contribution to agricultural production, the use being both temporary and reversible and that land management during the life of the site would improve soil quality.

- Heritage: Less than substantial harm was identified to the setting of nearby listed buildings, outweighed by public benefits.

- Biodiversity: The scheme delivers exceptional Biodiversity Net Gain, a 197% increase in habitat units and 289% increase in hedgerow units.

Public Benefits

The Inspector attached substantial weight to the project’s role in:

- Tackling the climate emergency and contributing to national net zero by 2050 targets

- Supporting the Council’s own commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2030

- Delivering significant biodiversity enhancements and landscape restoration

- Providing local economic benefits during construction and farm diversification opportunities

We worked closely with the project team, including legal, landscape and technical experts, to present a robust case in support of the appeal. By addressing landscape, agricultural, heritage, noise and biodiversity considerations in detail, we were able to demonstrate that the public benefits of the scheme clearly outweighed any harms. This successful appeal represents a major step forward for renewable energy delivery in Kent. It highlights the importance of well-prepared planning cases in unlocking clean energy projects that both combat climate change and enhance local environments.