Impact On Tourism: Popular Cottage Under Severe Threat

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.