Protecting the Rural Environment of Aldington and Mersham
If it goes ahead, the proposed Stonestreet Green Solar generating station will fundamentally change the nature of the rural environment around the villages of Aldington and Mersham forever. Views like the one above taken on a footpath that runs between the two villages, will never look like this again. The Converter Station at Sellindge provides a connection point to the National Grid and because of our proximity we are a prime location for such generating stations. In addition to the Evolution Power scheme at Stonestreet Green which will cover an area of 462 acres, EDF have recently submitted a planning application for a project either side of Church Lane which will cover 252 Acres. This is in addition to the existing 50 acre solar generating station at Church Lane. These three projects would cover an area equivalent to more than 20% of the parish of Aldington.
There is no doubt that to meet net zero by 2050 we need a significant increase in renewable energy generation, of which solar plays an important part. However, priority should be given to locating solar on brownfield land and rooftops. Where it is to be located on agricultural land, this should only be considered for poor quality land and even then only following comprehensive and exhaustive consultation with the local community as envisaged by the 2008 Planning Act. This will ensure that the panels are located where they will cause the least visual impact, and the least loss of amenity, best and most versatile agricultural land and important landscape. It is clear from our investigations and research that Evolution Power have not consulted adequately with the community on the detail of the proposed Stonestreet Green solar generating station and the Aldington and Mersham Support Group (AMSG) has been set up by a number of concerned local residents to reflect the strongly held views of the community.