A Kent village finds itself at the center of debate as Ashford Borough Council dismisses plans for a solar farm, citing concerns over its visual impact. The council’s decision marks a setback for French energy company EDF Renewables, whose proposal for the “East Stour Solar Farm,” spanning an area akin to 190 football pitches near Sellindge and Aldington, failed to secure approval.
The envisaged project aimed to generate sufficient power for approximately 16,900 homes. However, planning chiefs have quashed the 256-acre scheme citing various critical factors. Meanwhile, London-based Evolution Power awaits approval for its larger solar farm plans in the same vicinity.
Critics of EDF’s proposal assert that the construction of the solar farm on arable farmland between Aldington, Smeeth, and Sellindge would have resulted in significant adverse effects on landscape character and visual amenity. Planning officials highlighted insufficient details in EDF’s planning documents concerning the site’s archaeological impact and potential stress from construction activity, along with inadequate measures for mitigating effects on local wildlife and mineral deposits.
In a recent rejection notice, council officers emphasized that the imperative for renewable or low-carbon energy does not supersede environmental protections. EDF had argued that its proposed array, with a capacity of 49.9 Megawatts (MW), fell just below the threshold requiring government approval as a nationally significant infrastructure project.
The company emphasized its commitment to carbon emission reduction and national energy requirements, stating that hosting the East Stour Solar Farm would significantly contribute to achieving these goals. However, Linda Arthur of the Mersham-based Village Alliance campaign group lauded the council’s decision, describing the project as controversial and emphasizing the importance of locating solar farms in suitable areas.
Meanwhile, plans for the Stonestreet Green solar farm, covering an area equivalent to 250 football pitches near Aldington, remain in progress. Evolution Power, the firm behind the proposal, awaits government approval for its Development Consent Order (DCO), given the project’s capacity exceeding 50MW.
Local campaigners, including the Aldington and Mersham Support Group (AMSG), call for greater clarity on the potential impacts of the proposed solar farm. Mrs. Arthur highlights concerns about the project’s extensive reach and its transformative effect on Aldington’s rural landscape and community.
In a separate development, Ashford Borough Council also recently rejected plans for a solar farm near Old Wives Lees, underscoring the ongoing debate surrounding renewable energy projects in the region.