Representation by Beverly Bruce Wickens
- Date submitted
- 11 September 2024
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
The proposal to site a large solar industrial estate on farmland close to Aldington in Kent is, in my view, misconceived. Much has been said elsewhere about the adverse impact such a large development would have on the beautiful environment and the well being of people living close by. I support the view expressed by others that this is not an appropriate development for this location and in this communication, I am not repeating what others have said. My views outlined below are an addendum to the local issues and concerns raised. Land use Agricultural land of all grades and uses is scarce in the UK and demand has increase in recent years. Agricultural land prices have increased sharply from about £1500 per acre in 2000 to more than £9000 per acre today with no sign of a flattening of the curve. About 78% of UK land area is used for agriculture with 46% of our food being imported. Utilising precious land for other uses does not make sense if we are to be more self-sufficient. Land of all grades is valuable and appropriate for the various forms of agriculture. There is not a substitute for land whereas there are other ways of generating environmentally friendly electricity, including the siting of solar panels on large buildings, car parks or over motorways. The importing of food is not environmentally friendly. About 46% of UK food is imported by lorry, ship or aircraft. Some food will always need to be imported but the proportion needs to be reduced to have a beneficial impact on the environment. Topography The proposed site sits mainly on the north-east facing side of the East Stour valley which would not be the most efficient location for mounting solar panels which need to be slightly inclined towards the south. Some of the site on or to the south of the Aldington ridge is more suitable. The proposed site is close to the established converter station with the opportunity for connection to the national grid at minimum cost. Achieving minimum connection cost for infrastructure that will last at least 40 years should not trump the serious environmental and population well-being concerns. Project and Operational credentials Funding for the project will be provided through a Finnish company, Korkia, based in Helsinki. Two Finns are directors of Evolution Power based in the UK. It must be assumed that most of the preference shares and hence the control of the business, are held by Korkia. This fact needs to be confirmed. The construction and operation of the site will be a major undertaking with the local authority, Ashford Borough Council, representing the interests of the local population. It is not clear how this will work given that the controlling interest will be in Finland. Summary The use of ‘best and versatile’ land for a solar industrial estate of this scale is not its best use. Solar power is a good and useful source of energy. It should be harnessed in ways that do not compromise other factors as outlined in these notes and representations made by others.