With other solar farms planned in Kent, Nigel Spencer, Local Footpath Officer for Aldington, gives an update on our responses to two large proposed Solar Farms.
In February I learnt from a newly appointed Parish Footpath Observer that applications would be submitted for two Solar farms in Aldington, close to an existing one. The nearby converter station, which enables UK and France to source each other's electricity, provides convenient access to the National Grid. LFO work had diminished during lockdowns; this was to change!
Having sought and received helpful advice from colleagues previously involved with the Cleve Hill application and from our National Office who provided draft guidance, I initiated contact with local Ramblers groups, my Sector Coordinator and fellow LFOs.
The first application, by EDF, went to Ashford Borough Council. Output will be just less than 50 MW. East Stour Farm would cover 252 acres in three parcels of land. Two PRoWs pass through the site — AE432 and AE459. I learnt from meeting the project leader that these would be retained with panels sited round them.
Evolution Power (EP) will apply for a larger farm, Stonestreet Green, 440 acres, and this application will go direct to Planning Inspectors under National Infrastructure procedures as it is a large project exceeding the 50 MW limit. There are 16 PRoWs. Although I and my valued local rambler are on the local Community Liaison Panel, they have not followed our request to consider each path separately with us and have adopted a blanket policy to divert each path around fields of panels, making the route longer.
Next year, we must also consider carefully whether we accept the proposed farm or wish to oppose all or parts of it. Our National policy welcomes "Green" initiatives like Solar farms but expresses concern about inappropriate locations, especially in highly scenic areas. Located between the growing town of Ashford and the proposed new town of Otterpool Park, it is arguable that the countryside between Aldington and the East Stour is, in this local context, highly scenic.
In conclusion — I am not far enough down this road yet to pass on advice to colleagues with any real confidence. I have though benefited hugely from a local Rambler's help, as well as support from Maura Pell, my Sector Coordinator. Talking these matters through with a knowledgeable, well grounded colleague is very reassuring. So, if you get involved with anything like this, make sure you find another Rambler, what shall I say — Get yourself an Andrew!
Nigel Spencer