“I hope that Dover District Council, as the statutory planning authority give this application short shrift.” – Craig Mackinlay, MP

In March 2022, Craig Mackinlay, our MP for South Thanet, took the time to visit the proposed site. Here is the article he posted on his website

Local MP, Craig Mackinlay, met with Graham Doyle chair of ‘Save Ash Level Residents Group’ and his fellow campaigners who are against the proposed planning application for a new solar energy farm to the north of the A257 between Ash and Sandwich.

Craig heard the group’s concerns regarding the industrialised zone extending into Ash’s countryside, resulting in the loss of prime agricultural land which is particularly needed at the current time when food security is on the national political agenda. This area also provides a home to a rich variety of native and visiting wildlife many of which are protected species.

Similarly, Craig heard the local residents’ concerns over the impact on the local community; the unsuitable access, potentially over an extended period, for the build phase given the village’s narrow roads and, significantly, the damage to cultural and historic heritage and its related local tourism including to the adjacent Richborough Roman Fort.

South Thanet MP, Craig Mackinlay, said:

“Whilst I have my doubts about the viability or desirability of solar farms generally, the location for this 180 acre monstrosity is wholly wrong given wildlife and archaeological impact in an area of outstanding beauty.

“The destruction of visual amenity will be permanent and there would be no benefit to local residents who would be severely affected.

“I hope that Dover District Council, as the statutory planning authority give this application short shrift.”