Vast solar farm proposed for Romney Marsh: we submit our comments

Development would drastically change the landscape of Romney Marsh

CPRE Kent has objected in principle to a planned solar farm that, if permitted, would drastically change the landscape of Romney Marsh.

The proposed South Kent Energy Park is targeted for some 1,500 acres. At the time of writing, it is the largest solar farm yet proposed for Kent.

The plans from Low Carbon entail a 500-megawatt site that it says will provide electricity for 140,000 properties. If permitted, it will be built around Old Romney, taking swathes of land either side of the A259.

It would be connected to the National Grid either via an existing substation at Dungeness or a new substation proposed to be built nearby. A battery energy storage system (BESS) is also proposed.

The scale of the planned solar farm means it would not be determined by the local authority, Folkestone and Hythe District Council. Rather, it would be treated as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) and need a Development Consent Order from the government.

CPRE Kent is seeking assurance that alternative, better, sites have been considered. Heritage impacts, loss of best and most versatile agricultural land, light and noise pollution and impact on wildlife are among the concerns we have. To read the opening comments from CPRE Kent, made to Low Carbon, click here.