‘Insane’ plans for huge solar farm in Kent rejected
12th August 2024
Plans to build a solar farm the size of 86 football pitches on high-grade farmland in Kent have been rejected.
Developers insist that the installation near Sittingbourne would have created enough power for 11,500 homes, but were told by a councillor that “it isn’t an industrial landscape, it’s the garden of England”, Kent Online reported.
The plans for the solar farm to be built near the boundary of the Kent Downs National Landscape were criticised by Green Party councillor Terry Thompson, who pointed out that the development would take up Grade 1 farmland.
The councillor, who is also a farmer, said it was “insane” to build on such fertile land, reported the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
“We really seriously need to think about security of food production,” he added.
Speaking in favour of the bid, Will Mulvany, of planning firm Wardell Armstrong, told councillors: “The proposal is temporary for 40 years and reversible,” adding that the land would be there for farming after decommissioning.
The planning committee refused permission by 10 votes to three.
Developers Industria Solar said they were “disappointed” by the decision but would review their application and consider “further steps”.
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