Dear Supporters,

Much work has been going on behind the scenes, looking at our planning response, building initial objections, and working with experts on various critical points to reinforce our counterpoints to the planners. The next phase of our plan is to significantly grow awareness and build a wider groundswell of opposition, sending an overwhelmingly clear message that this monoculture of glass and steel, and all its unnecessary destruction, is not appropriate for the historic and ecologically rich Ash Levels, and more suitable alternative locations are available.
Today, we wanted to reach out to all registered people and take you up on your offer to help us grow awareness and build significant opposition to make a difference.

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There is some good news to spur us on. Ash Parish Council have voted to strongly object to the proposed industrial solar plant. 

This follows Woodnesborough Parish Council’s clear objection and Sandwich Town Council voting to also strongly object.

At the full monthly Ash Parish Council meeting, held on the 5th of February at St Faith’s School, Ash Parish Councillors heard from numerous members of the public who rose to speak passionately about their perspectives, from wildlife and heritage concerns to mental health considerations. They also heard from Save Ash Level on a host of material condition arguments about the inappropriateness of this site and how the proposal did not meet any of the policies set out in the Ash Parish Neighbourhood Plan, an extensive document endorsed and ratified by Dover District Council.

This meeting followed an extraordinary meeting in January, where the Ash Parish Council listened to public comments and concerns raised before engaging their own planning specialist to interrogate the significant level of documentation. A key point the Chairman, Andrew Harris-Rowley, made surrounded contradictions and inaccuracies, which are pervasive throughout the application and how it lacks detail on critical topics.

The Council is preparing an extensive objection letter to submit, including significant concerns about the impact on heritage, environmentally sensitive landscapes, and wildlife, including protected species. There was also great concern about the prospective industrial corridor this proposal would create between Sandwich and Ash.

A major consequence of this proposed industrial solar site is the negative impact it will have on tourism and hospitality. There is no doubt it will have a detrimental impact on the economy in particular on Sandwich and surrounding villages, an area which attracts thousands of visitors year-round. The local holiday lets sector will be severely impacted, affecting the livelihood of scores of people and businesses, with no upside or prospect of compensation. One local couple impacted are Annie and Paul Elias:

“Our popular glamping enterprise in Cooper Street is now under threat from an industrialised solar development. In 2018 we set up a small (but perfectly formed) glamping experience in this precious corner of the countryside. There is a Horsebox Hideaway and a Beautiful Bell Tent, offering a bespoke and private getaway for individuals, couples and families wanting to find peace in nature.

Our glamping has offered a haven of happiness to visitors to this part of East Kent. Our guests have appreciated walks around the lanes of Cooper Street to Richborough and they have been able to walk on some fields in the Ash Levels which are under our family ownership. We have hosted bird lovers and ornithologists, families with young children, urban dwellers and European friends. Without exception, they tell us that they leave refreshed and happy.

Our glamping experience allows guests to look directly out over the picturesque Ash Levels and to be immersed in nature. In the words of one guest: “completely unspoilt views of countryside”. The proposed solar industrialisation of this land would destroy this.

Please do not take our income away and deny our guests this unique rural retreat.

– Annie and Paul, December 2023

Some guest comments:

“We would definitely stay again and would recommend to all those who like being close to nature! “

“My one-year-old son seemed to recognize the place as we approached down the lane and started clapping. I felt inclined to join him.”

“This is an absolutely delightful spot. It’s very secluded and peaceful, it was just me and the sheep. I fell asleep listening to the birds and the wind in the trees.”

“Completely unspoilt views of countryside”

“Narrow winding roads lead to the farm, very quiet and secluded with no traffic to be heard. A tranquil place and a great getaway.”

“we were able to sit out in nature and enjoy the stars/morning sun”

“Waking up with a view to nature was lovely. Set in a field of its own, it felt very private”

“beautiful surroundings made our stay blissful.”

“12/10 as the place was everything I ever dreamed of and even more”

If you have a story to tell about how this will impact your business, contact us.

A major consequence of this proposed industrial solar site is the negative impact it will have on tourism and hospitality. There is no doubt it will have a detrimental impact on the economy in particular on Sandwich and surrounding villages, an area which attracts thousands of visitors year-round. The local holiday lets sector will be severely impacted, affecting the livelihood of scores of people and businesses, with no upside or prospect of compensation. One local couple impacted are Graham and Alison Doyle of Brookstreet, whose holiday let is located directly adjacent to the site:

“We built our holiday let ‘Signal Cottage’ with our own bare hands in 2019 by converting a two-storey outbuilding next to our house which overlooks Ash Levels.

We have put a huge amount of our time, savings and resources into the cottage and are justly proud of the level of holiday accommodation we provide.

Our guests have come here from Australia, USA, Canada, Portugal, Peru, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Hong Kong, Ireland, Germany, South Africa and throughout the UK.

Guests range from honeymooners, wedding guests, cyclists, walkers, ornithologists, golfers, anglers, wakeboarders, business persons, and those simply enjoying the peace and quiet of what our cottage and its environment have to offer.

Our holiday cottage has become our main source of income, and it feeds significantly into the local economy, such as Juliet’s and The Chequer Inn in Ash, White Mill Farm Shop, Whitemills Aqua Park, Richborough Roman Fort, the town of Sandwich and weddings at Goss Hall.

Our holiday let is within metres of the proposed main site access, and the construction alone would result in us closing down our means of living. We appeal to you not to let this happen”

– Graham and Alison December 2023

Some guest comments:

We thoroughly enjoyed sitting on the bench in the paddock and looking out for wildlife. We saw badgers, rabbits, bats, foxes, owls, kestrels and a variety of birds. It was the perfect place to unwind (R&B 5-21)

A delightfully tranquil setting for a superbly equipped haven (C&N 3-20)

Such a wonderful relaxing and idyllic setting. Perfect way to recharge our batteries (T&J 6-20)

What a cracking place. Really peaceful and perfect for chillout (R&N 8-23)

Simply wonderful. Our most positive airbnb experience ever (C&S 7-23)

The perfect place for a romantic weekend away (E&D 10-22)

A wonderful few days in the countryside. Beautiful, quiet and accessible to the rest of East Kent (G&C 7-22)

What a gorgeous find. A real escape to nature (M&A 6-22)

Idyllic, quiet. Love the mile-long views (I&B 6-22)

If you have a story to tell about how this will impact your business, contact us.

Dover District Council’s own character assessment document tells us why the proposal for a 205 acre industrial solar site is a very bad idea.

Read a summary below of this evidence-based report:

What Is The Dover Landscape Character Assessment 2020?

It is a document commissioned by Dover District Council to provide robust evidence to underpin the review of the Local Plan and to assist in the local planning process. It aims to:

• guide development that is sympathetic to local character and the qualities of the landscape (p5)
• protect valued landscapes and recognise the intrinsic value and beauty of the countryside (p7)

What it says about the character of the Ash Levels…

‘This is a distinctive large scale, flat and low-lying area of arable and pasture grazing. The landscape is reclaimed grazing marsh and retains marshland qualities including drainage ditches and an open expansive character’.

‘Away from the urban influences on the edge of Sandwich this is a largely tranquil, peaceful, and remote landscape’

Landscape Evaluation of Ash Levels – Key Sensitivities and Values

• Flat, low-lying and open reclaimed marshland with a strong sense of place and openness.
• Historic importance as part of the former Wanstum Channel separating mainland Kent from the Isle of Thanet.
• Ecologically important linear drainage ditches and former marshland designated as Ash Level and South Richborough Pasture Local Wildlife Site
• Absence of settlement and development across the marshes contributing to sense of isolation and remoteness.
• Recreational value associated with the Public Right of Way’s which provide access across the marshes.
• Expansive, uninterrupted, long-distance views across the marshes, including north south routes along former drove roads connecting the valley floor to adjacent higher land.
• A tranquil and rural area with an open and exposed remote character and large skies.
• Role as landscape setting in relation to Richborough.

Landscape Strategy for Ash Levels

The strategy for the Ash Levels is to restore and enhance the wetland habitat potential and connectivity as part of the wider Stour / Wanstum Marshes, which extend into Thanet and Canterbury districts.

Guidance Landscape Management

• Conserve and enhance the biodiversity of wetland habitats and watercourses of the former marshland.
• Manage and enhance the wildlife interest of agricultural fields by encouraging the creation of uncultivated field margins, management of drainage ditches and other wildlife-friendly farming methods.
• Restore and recreate former grazing marsh, fen and reedbed habitat as part of the wider wetland network in the Lower Stour catchment.

Development Management

• Conserve the open landscape and avoid the introduction of large-scale or incongruous elements or any form of development in this unsettled landscape.
• Consider the impact of change/development on the adjacent agricultural slopes on this very open landscape. And consider the role of this area as the landscape setting for Richborough .
• The open character of most marshland landscapes accentuates the visual impact of many proposals over a wide distance as compared with more enclosed landscape types. Avoid proposals that can result in the interruption of views of large open skies or horizons or impinge on the remote undeveloped quality of the marshland.
• Protect the valued recreational use of the landscape, seeking opportunities to further enhance access and enjoyment of the landscape including the Right of Way network.

What it says about the character of Richborough

The Richborough Bluff is located in the north of the district, to the north-west of Sandwich rising above the Ash Levels.. A former island in the Wantsum Channel, the area is an important historic Roman and Saxon site, strategically located on high ground at a main entry point to Britain.

Landscape Strategy

• Manage and enhance the wildlife interest of agricultural fields by encouraging the creation of uncultivated field margins, management of drainage ditches and other wildlife-friendly farming methods.
• Enhance areas of improved grassland to bring it to priority habitat quality.
• Enhance and augment fragmented field boundary hedgerows with native species. Development Management
• Conserve and respect the character and setting of Richborough Castle.
• Conserve the open landscape and wide views, avoiding the introduction of further large scale or incongruous elements that would be visually detrimental within the flat expanse of the surrounding landscape.
• Improve boundary treatments to further screen the A256 Sandwich Bypass and industrial estates to the east.
• Retain the rural winding character of the local lanes, resisting proposals for highway upgrades.
• Carefully manage tourist/recreation pressures on Richborough Castle. Retain a natural and informal character to existing and new tourist features, including a muted colour scheme for car parks, footpaths, and interpretation.

The full report can be found here >

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.”

Whilst Kent County Council are rightfully supportive in principle of the installation of renewable and low carbon energy generation technologies, they do offer a published Position Statement for where they do and do not support scheme.

There are clear points relevant here to Stakfrat’s proposal to build on Ash Level:

Summary of KCC Position

• KCC is in principle supportive of the installation of renewable and low carbon energy generation technologies, particularly where it will increase security of supply, provide community and economic benefits and contribute to tackling climate change.

• Development should be appropriate to the locality and avoid adverse planning and environmental impacts. KCC does not consider that the need for renewables should automatically override environmental protections and an application will only be supported if the impact is or can be made acceptable.

• As a preference, KCC will support solar arrays mounted on existing roofs or integrated into new roofs/buildings. Developments on previously developed and/or contaminated and industrial land are also preferable. Community owned projects would be particularly welcomed. KCC will not support the development of large scale Solar PV arrays in areas identified for their special character or other importance. KCC will not support large scale solar PV arrays in the Green Belt and landscapes designated for their natural beauty (Kent Downs and High Weald AONBs) and areas

• which contribute to their setting.

• KCC will not support large scale solar PV arrays on sites with ecological importance, archaeological or historic interest, or classified as the best and most versatile grades of agricultural land (1, 2, and 3a).

• For greenfield proposals outside of protected areas, KCC expect proposals to demonstrate the landscape’s suitability to receive such a development. Proposals must show how the design of the scheme has accounted for landscape character. Developments should avoid both landscape and visual impacts, or demonstrate appropriate mitigation. In addition, land management around panels should allow for continued agricultural use and/or encourage biodiversity improvements.

• In formulating its views on proposals, KCC will have regard to cumulative impacts of multiple solar arrays on landscape character and visual amenity. The impact from a single development may not be significant on its own, but when combined with other impacts from similar developments could become significant.

• The consultation and involvement of local communities should be an integral part of the development process.

• Where supportive of development proposals KCC will request planning conditions to be imposed to ensure solar PV arrays are removed at the end of their permitted period and the land restored to its previous use.