Today was a chance to stand up for Graveney residents in Parliament. I secured a Westminster Hall Debate on the impact of Cleve Hill Solar Park on communities in Faversham and Mid Kent. I know we have all campaigned hard against the development, and despite these brilliant efforts, we lost the argument.
I accept with regret the reality of Cleve Hill Solar, the UK’s largest solar farm and the largescale battery that comes with it. But what I do not accept is the disregard for the community who now have an industrial site on their rural doorstep.
There has been a failure to address residents’ concerns about safety. And a failure to give them certainty about repairing the damage from construction. Lastly, it’s shameful that the community feel alone in their negotiating for compensation from the developer for the industrialisation of the marshland they hold so dear.
The Government have got to get this right. Our futures depend on successful renewable energy infrastructure projects. They should start right here, right now, with Cleve Hill Solar Park.
To watch the full debate click here: https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/5df75e68-56d4-4819-9978-c0da7fb825f4?in=11:00:00
To read the transcript of the debate click here: https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2024-12-10/debates/995BC30D-0D04-4BE8-9CF9-F94F4EE8C483/CleveHillSolarPark
