Representation by Juliet Swarbrick
- Date submitted
- 11 September 2024
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am a concerned resident of Aldington where I have lived for over 30 years. In principle I understand the need for renewable energy and indeed we have solar panels on our own house , however,I consider that the current proposal, because of its size, will cause a major blight on the landscape surrounding the village. I am also concerned that the land which will be covered by the project is currently productive agricultural land and its loss will have a significant effect on sustainability and national self-sufficiency. Our village is some distance away from main roads and is reached by narrow country roads - the main one of which is Station Road, leading to Calleywell and Goldwell Lanes. The proposal to use Station Road to access the Project during the construction phase, and to have heavy vehicles crossing the road south of the bridges over the East Stour River streams and to use Goldwell Lane as a route for construction traffic and to dig up the lane to install cables will severely impact access to and from the village for a long period. This is unacceptable. I am concerned too at the lasting effect the project will have on wildlife in the area. Access to the currently scenic and peaceful countryside in the river valley - important for for health and mental well-being - will be restricted and severely impaired by the loss and diversion of many rural footpaths.