Project status
Planning submitted
Solar capacity
41 megawatt peak (MWp)
Operational period
Up to 40 years
Energy generation
Powering around 14,500 homes per year
Community Benefit
Community Benefit Fund to be set up to promote sustainable development in the local community
About the Project
Pitstock Solar Farm is a 41MWp project being developed by Voltalia UK Ltd (‘Voltalia’). The site is located to the north and south of Pitstock Road, approximately 490m to the south-west of the village of Rodmersham Green in Kent.
The planning application for Pitstock Solar Farm was submitted to Swale Borough Council in January 2024 (application reference. 24/500125/FULL).
Documents submitted for the planning application can be viewed on the Swale Borough Council Planning Register.
Site Location Plan
Project benefits
As a renewable energy developer and provider, we want each of our projects to not only help improve the global environment by reducing carbon emissions but also help to improve the local environment.
Net Zero
The UK Government has committed to reducing economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by at least 68% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. In addition to this, the Government has made a legal commitment
to cut carbon emissions to net zero by 2050. This will require a rapid deployment of low carbon power, including ground-mounted solar.
In 2022, the Government published the British Energy Security Strategy, which included a commitment to increase solar power five-fold to 70GW annually by 2035.
Swale Borough Council declared a Climate and Ecological Emergency in June 2019. In an Action Plan published in 2020, the Council committed to becoming a carbon-neutral Borough by 2030, a target which will require a rapid deployment of renewable energy.
Why Solar Energy?
Solar farms are a simple and established technology providing a source of safe and clean energy which produces zero emissions when in operation. Solar energy projects have a low visual impact potential if designed correctly, have no moving parts, meaning maintenance requirements are low throughout the lifetime of the project, and are considered ‘temporary’ as they are decommissioned at the end of their lifetime.
Energy Security
The proposals will deliver a secure supply of clean energy which is produced locally, powering the equivalent of 14,500 homes, and reducing Britain’s reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets. This will, in time, lower energy bills for consumers.
Pitstock Farm will contribute towards the security of energy supply in the wider area through the provision of significant amounts of local renewable energy.
Climate Emergency
Pitstock Solar Farm will support the UK’s transition to a low carbon economy as well as Swale Borough Council’s target for the Borough to become fully net zero by 2030.
Local Environment
Our proposals will include a comprehensive package of biodiversity improvements, including through the delivery of a Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) of over 10 percent.
We are committed to screening the site with appropriate planting to ensure that the look and feel of the area is maintained. This could include hedgerows around and within the site boundary.
Working with local suppliers
The project is committed to employing locally and utilising the local supply chain during construction and operation, wherever possible. Please get in contact with pitstock@voltalia.com if you would like to sign up as a local supplier.
Community benefits
We are committed to providing environmental, social and economic benefits to the communities where our projects are based and encourage communities to engage with us on their needs and aspirations.
We believe that communities which host energy infrastructure should benefit from it. Whether it be provision of rooftop solar panels for a community building or an educational site visit for local school children, we aim to provide long-term and meaningful investment into the local communities where we construct and operate our projects.
Community Benefit Fund
Working with Local Suppliers
Enhancing habitat for species
Educational visits to local schools and the project
We would love to hear from local residents, groups and businesses on how the project could benefit you. If you have any ideas or opportunities, please contact us via pitstock@voltalia.com.
Community Benefit Fund
A Community Benefit Fund will be set up as part of the proposed scheme to provide grants for environmentally sustainable projects in the local area. We are looking to fund initiatives which leave a lasting legacy and bring a clear benefit to the local community.
We want to work with you, as the community, to shape our community benefit offering and would love to hear from you on what community benefits you would like to see delivered as part of the proposed scheme. If you have any ideas or opportunities, please contact us via pitstock@voltalia.com.
Please check back for further updates on the Community Benefit Fund as the project progresses.
Contact us
If you have any questions, or would like to know more about the project, please contact us via pitstock@voltalia.com.
You can also submit feedback or your questions on the project through our engagement platform which can be accessed by clicking on, or scanning the QR code below.
About Voltalia
Voltalia is an international energy and service provider in the renewable energy market operating across three continents and in over 20 countries. Since Voltalia was founded in 2005, it has grown to be a world leading Independent Power Producer (IPP) developing, constructing and operating wind, solar, hydro, biomass and storage projects.
Find out more at www.voltalia.com
2.37GW of projects in operation globally
16.6GW of projects in the pipeline
Over 1850 employees worldwide
As a mission-driven company*, Voltalia is fully committed to its purpose to improve the global environment whilst fostering local development. All of our sites will contribute towards addressing national and local electricity needs by generating an affordable and renewable source of clean energy.
* Voltalia became a Mission-driven Company in May 2021. The company has registered in its by-laws a purpose and environmental and social objectives. Find out more on the Voltalia website.
