Solar park plans thrown out

Villagers celebrate victory as inspector dismisses appeal by developer ‘relieveD’

Campaigning residents are celebrating after an appeal to build a huge solar park near their village was thrown out by a planning inspector.

The controversial proposal by developers Sunsave 8 was for a 37-acre site – the size of more than 20 football pitches and bigger than the Ashford Designer Outlet – on land in Dowle Street, in Pluckley.

The plan was originally refused by Ashford Borough Council’s planning committee in February 2014.

But despite villagers’ protests, the developers appealed that decision but it has now finally been dismissed by the inspector on the grounds there would be “harm to the character and appearance of the area”.

Paul Smith, a member of Pluckley Solar Group (PSG), said everyone is “relieved” that their hard work has paid off, adding: “We were fortunate in having a good group with a lot of expertise, it was about not getting emotional and putting together a reasonable, sensible argument.

“The inspector was quite complimentary about the comments made by the group in the report Chris Housman, chairman of Pluckley Parish Council, which had opposed the proposals from the beginning, said: “We’re all pleased and relieved about the decision after two years of concern.

“The inspector clearly recognised the ‘substantial harm’ that would be done to our rural environment were this to proceed.

“I’d like to say thanks to everyone who objected to Ashford Council and/or the planning inspector.

“I must particularly thank the ‘Pluckley Solar Group’ (PSG) whose well-reasoned arguments, backed up with solid legal advice, made a huge difference – indeed the inspector quoted the PSG several times in making his determination.

“As far as I know that is now the end of the matter.” and picked up on many of our points.

“Obviously we are very pleased.

“It went on and on, it has been two years in total, which is quite a long time for something like that.

“We were confident we had done everything we could to make a good case.

“I think it shows that localism is working.

“There was never any shouting with banners, it was just good arguments as to why it should not be there.

“We are not opposed to solar parks but we are opposed to them being on productive farming sites.

“I do think this has set some sort of precedent.”

ABC said it was pleased the planning inspector agreed with its decision.

Sunsave 8 were unavailable for comment.

Paul Smith, inset, was among the residents opposing a solar farm on village fields