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 professional bodies including English Heritage, Historic England, the Kent County Archaeological Team and Dover District Conservation Team to ensure that much-needed renewable energy can be delivered whilst respecting the historic environment.
Based on initial feedback, prior to the submission of the planning application, the plans were changed to:
- increase the distance of panels from the boundary of the Richborough Scheduled Monument so that the solar panels will be almost 600 metres from the the remains of the amphitheatre and over 1km from the remains of the Roman fort
- reduce the height of the panels from 4.46m to 2.7m.
- plans for 900 metres of new native species hedgerow
Following further feedback received in response to the submitted planning application and subsequent discussions with statutory consultees, we have:
- Carried out detailed archaeological field evaluation, involving geophysical surveys and trial trenching, which confirmed that there was no Roman Road crossing the site. This work has further enhanced the understanding of the historic environment and addresses concerns about the assumed existence of buried remains of a Roman Road and the significance that this would have to the site’s relationship with the Roman Fort and Amphitheatre.
- Removed the willow carr planting at the request of Historic England and Kent County Archaeologist.
- Amended the plans to remove the originally proposed buffer to the speculated route of the Roman Road
- Realigned the access route to the Nature Recovery Area so that it will also allow unobstructed views across the Wantsum Channel from the scheduled monument.
The results of the work carried out by archaeologists can be found in the Geophysical Survey Report and Interim Archaeology Report.
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:
- Be more than just solar panels - 16 ha of the site will be set aside for a new Nature Restoration Area.
- 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%.
- Deliver 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.