A proposal by PS Renewables and EDF power solutions UK to build a new 1000 hectare solar farm around Camber, Lydd and Dungeness faced wide-ranging objections in the Rye Town Council's Planning and Townscape Committee meeting on Monday 24 November.
The committee had been given the opportunity to give input on environmental issues as part of an early stage consultation programme.
Councillor Fiddimore led a discussion concluding that the project was unacceptable, citing the loss of productive agricultural land, the loss of unique marsh habitat and sites of special scientific interest. Councillor Rogers raised concerns about the ethical production of the solar panels themselves while Councillor Stuart suggested that some designs can allow a level of agricultural activity beneath the panels.
The debate concluded with a request to ask planners to clarify what provisions are being put in place to protect the unique habitat and ecosystem of the marsh.
In other business, the meeting was briefed on the Neighbourhood Plan and the status of housing developments in Rye. An increased housing target for the construction of 325 dwellings has been communicated by Rother District Council, with councillors hearing concerns that this included some "developer led" plans for unacceptably high housing density - some at central London levels.
Councillors also heard how the lack of confirmed social housing plans has increased the pressure on locally driven activities to fill the gap. Work is continuing on developing plans for a Community Land Trust to potentially purchase East Sussex County Council land in Tilling Green, while plans for a small scale housing development on the Cricket Salts continue.
On a positive note, developments in Rye will result in increased revenue for the town from the community infrastructure levy, though levels of funding have not as yet been quantified.
The next full town council and planning committee meetings are scheduled for 8 December at 6.30pm.