Representation by Karen Bingham
- Date submitted
- 11 September 2024
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am concerned about the visual impact of the proposed solar scheme. The majority of panels will be visible on the approach into Aldington from the A20, hedges will not hide them as they will be on the slope of the Aldington ridge. This, at present is agricultural land producing food and supporting livestock. The views change with the seasons and wildlife benefits. With solar panels the view will never change and will be industrial, and wildlife will suffer. I am also concerned about the battery storage units. It was not mentioned in the consultation process that there is significant noise nuisance from them, but now the plan is for noise reduction fencing around them, non of this was mentioned in consultation meetings. The threat to our public rights of way, of which there are many ancient thoroughfares crossing this area would be a loss for those local residents who regularly use them for exercise and enjoyment of the local countryside. It will also mean a loss of our local history, the pathways being an important part of our ancestors way of life, walking to church and other villages. I am concerned about the inadequate traffic management plan that the developers have not understood the nature of these narrow local roads, the dangerous crossroads at Smeeth and the impact on the village while work is being carried out. The residents of Aldington will lose their rural community and become part of an industrial one. The scheme is too large, with apparently no consideration having been given to alternative sites with less visual impact and loss of agricultural land.