A solar farm which will cover a site the size of 55 football pitches on the Romney Marsh in Kent has been granted planning approval.
If it goes ahead, it could power 10,000 homes, and reduce CO2 emissions – but campaigners have reacted with outrage, saying the plans for this environmentally important area were rushed through.
As the Government makes a massive push for the deployment of green energy, there three more mega solar parks proposed for the marsh, which would dwarf the current proposals.
The project which is so opposed locally is dwarfed by three more solar farms which developers would like for the Marsh – which are currently in early planning stages.
The St Mary in the Marsh project will produce 16 megawatts of power – and cover 100 acres. Also proposed for the area are South Kent Energy Park (500mwh/1482acre), Shepway Energy Park (200mwh/1003acre) and South Brooks Solar 500mwh/2703acre).
The Reform UK Kent county councillor, David Wimble, has raised concerns about flooding.
Mr Wimble said “We’re not anti-solar. We think it should be rooftop solar on every suitable building, schools, hospitals and brownfield sites. We think that in the long-term we are worried about the drainage on the Romney Marsh – there’s thousands of miles of French drains and if they are destroyed the marsh will flood.”
Amanda Farrant, Director of campaign group Hands Off Our Marsh said “I’m not against solar energy, I have it on my rooftop, that’s exactly where it should be. It should not be in a field – we are in January which is producing a fantastic crop of winter wheat. We rely on tourism down here, and agriculture for livelihoods, and both of those industries are going to be absolutely decimated.”
A spokesperson for South Brooks Solar Farm said “South Brooks Solar Farm will be seeking planning consent under the Development Consent Order process. This is a rigorous and lengthy process, designed to ensure that developers have taken time to fully understand and assess any potential effects the project may have on the local environment (including biodiversity, land use, heritage and air quality), both on its own and in combination with other potential projects in the local area.
“This information will be carefully considered by the Secretary of State when deciding whether to grant consent for the project. We currently expect to submit an application in early 2027, following 18 months of public consultation and engagement on the draft plans. Following a public examination of the proposals, a decision would be expected in mid-2028.”
