To: The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, the Planning Inspectorate, and Relevant Authorities

We, the undersigned, strongly oppose the proposal by Low Carbon to construct one of the UK’s largest solar farms near Dungeness, covering an area equivalent to 840 football pitches. While we recognize the importance of renewable energy in combating climate change, this project’s scale and location pose significant threats to our environment, local community, and agricultural resources.

Our Concerns:

1. Irreversible Environmental Damage
The Dungeness area is internationally renowned for its unique ecosystem, supporting rare species and protected habitats. A development of this magnitude would disrupt these delicate ecosystems, causing harm that may never be reversed.

2. Exacerbation of Flood Risks
Situated in a flood-prone region, this solar farm could worsen local flood risks, creating additional challenges for residents and straining existing flood defenses.

3. Loss of Agricultural Land
The proposed site includes fertile agricultural land vital for local and national food security. In light of global food supply challenges, it is critical to preserve land suitable for food production.

4. Destruction of Local Character and Heritage
The proposed solar farm and associated infrastructure, such as a new substation, would permanently alter the rural and historical identity of the area, affecting the landscape and the community's way of life.

Our Call to Action:

We urge the relevant authorities to:

Conduct a rigorous assessment of the environmental, social, and economic impacts of this proposal.

Prioritize alternative solutions, including the use of brownfield sites, industrial areas, and smaller-scale renewable projects that have a lesser impact on local communities and ecosystems.

Protect Dungeness and its surrounding areas from inappropriate and harmful developments.

Renewable energy development must be pursued responsibly, balancing the need for sustainability with the protection of our natural and cultural heritage.

By signing this petition, we express our collective demand for a more balanced and thoughtful approach to renewable energy development.

--