Little South Solar Farm
A 49.9MW solar energy development in Kent
About Little South Solar Farm
Little South Solar Farm is a proposal for a new 49.9MW solar farm to the south west of Richborough, Sandwich. This new project has the potential to generate renewable electricity equivalent to the needs of over 15,000 homes*, support the decarbonisation of the local area and contribute to the Government’s target of 70GW solar generation capacity by 2035.
Following local consultation we submitted a planning application for these plans to Dover District Council in December 2023. Read more about the plans.
On this page, you will be able to find more details on the proposal and the estimated timeline of the project, as well as how to get in touch and provide feedback to the project team.
*Based on average household consumption of 3,509kWh, BEIS 2022
Click here to view the full image of the map.
Why Little South Solar Farm is the right project for Dover District
The site has been carefully chosen for its potential to deliver clean, renewable electricity directly into the local grid network. It will be a positive addition to the local area and support our green future. The benefits are:
Protecting the future, preserving the past
Solar power is a clean and abundant source of energy that can help combat climate change. Our plans aim to protect local heritage whilst delivering clean energy for the future.
We have incorporated feedback into our plans from experts including English Heritage and Dover District Conservation Officer to ensure that much-needed renewable energy can be delivered whilst respecting the historic environment. This included:
- increasing the distance of panels from Richborough Roman Fort to almost 600 metres from the amphitheatre and over 1km from the fort
- reducing the height of the panels from 4.46m to 2.7m.
- plans for 900 metres of new native species hedgerow, helping to restore historic character of the surrounding countryside while creating much needed habitats for wildlife and providing vital corridors for species such as bats, birds and bees.
Below are photomontages we submitted as part of our planning application. The viewpoint below (Viewpoint B) shows the view from the Roman Amphitheatre towards the proposed development.
Click here to see all the viewpoints submitted with our application.
Enhancing important habitats and local wildlife
We recognise that biodiversity is one of our strongest natural defences against climate change. Little South will not be made up only of solar panels - 16 ha of the site will be set aside for a new Nature Restoration Area.
Across the site, our plans will generate 23% biodiversity net gain for habitats, including habitat enhancements for protected species and 142% net gain in hedgerow habitat, significantly higher than national and locally set policy targets of 10%.
We have also committed to delivering around 25% of the 200 ha recommended Coastal Floodplain Grazing Marsh creation target for the Stour Valley Biodiversity Opportunity Area.
Approximately 900 metres of new native species hedgerow will be planted creating much-needed habitats for wildlife and providing vital corridors for species such as bats, birds and bees.
Click here to view the full image of the biodiversity benefits poster.
If you would like to comment on theLittle South Solar Farm application you can do this on the Dover Council Website. The reference number is: 23/01363 and the application can be accessed here.
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