Roman Fort under threat from plan for giant solar farm

CAMPAIGNERS are sounding the alarm over the future of the world-famous Richborough Roman Fort landscape, warning that the nationally significant site could be “irrevocably damaged” within weeks if plans for a vast industrial solar farm are approved.

- By CATHERINE LANGSTON

The planned Ash Levels solar farm SAVE ASH LEVEL

The controversial Little South Solar Farm proposal, put forward by the Norwegian state-owned company Statkraft, seeks to cover hundreds of acres of farmland directly adjacent to Richborough Roman Fort and amphitheatre, starting just 160m from the site.

The Roman remains, which are managed by English Heritage, are a Scheduled Monument and mark the historic gateway to Roman Britain.

Dover District Council is expected to make a decision on the application, number 23/01363/AS, by the end of this month. The scheme has attracted more than 650 public objections and faces opposition from key heritage and environmental bodies, including the County Archaeologist, Historic England, English Heritage, CPRE, and Kent Wildlife Trust.

Also opposing the plan are former South Thanet MP Lord Mackinlay of Richborough and current Herne Bay and Sandwich MP Sir Roger Gale.

Alex Ridings, spokesman for the Save Ash Level campaign, described the situation as a “national heritage emergency.”

He said: “Richborough is the birthplace of Roman Britain. To industrialise its surrounding fields with metal and glass would be a tragedy of historic proportions.”