Please share your thoughts on Evolution Power’s proposed solar farm
The New Ash Green solar project would have a huge impact on our community. The size of the proposal would fundamentally change the character of the area around Hartley, Ridley, New Ash Green, Ash, and Hodsoll Street. I have been closely monitoring Evolution Power’s proposals and am deeply concerned about their project.
I know so many who are concerned about what has been proposed, and from speaking to local Councillors for the area where the site is, Penny Cole and Perry Cole, they too are aware of the strength of feeling. That is entirely understandable. Many people have been in touch over recent weeks as we all try and assess why these proposals have been brought forward.
I have met with the organisers of the ‘No NAGS’ campaign and visited the proposed location for this site.
No NAGS have produced a helpful guide if you would like to respond to the planning application. Please see here. The No NAGs Facebook page is available here.
The next stage of this project is the Planning Review stage. Evolution Power have applied for planning permission from Sevenoaks District Council and I am keen for as many residents as possible to share their thoughts on this development and the impact it will have on our community with the Council. You are able to share your ideas with the council here using the reference 24/03422/FUL.
One of the challenges we face is that solar farms are being promoted nationally by some parties. Indeed, the Green Party sees them as part of their ‘green economic transformation’ in their national energy policy. Tonbridge Green Party are explicitly in support, as you can see here. Their stance is dangerous for our community.
Not only are there valid questions about the suitability of using the land in the greenbelt, some of which is currently used for essential agricultural purposes, but there are significant concerns that remain unanswered about the potential supply chain for the project.
I am deeply concerned that this proposal would install solar panels manufactured through unethical supply chains, with 80% of the world’s supply coming from China, where forced labour in regions like Xinjiang remains a serious issue. This project is being driven by relaxed Greenbelt protections and a push for green energy at any cost, regardless of the consequences. Our pursuit of net-zero emissions must not come at the expense of fundamental human rights or long term energy security. While I support the transition to net-zero, relying on solar alone is neither reliable nor sustainable—it suffers from generation variability, high costs, and a significant carbon trade-off in production. The UK must take a responsible approach to energy policy, ensuring that our shift to renewables upholds ethical standards and truly strengthens our energy future.
For many years, I have been vocal about human rights abuses in China, including those in the Xinjiang province. The Chinese Communist Party have now banned me from entering the country due to my continued scrutiny of their violation of human rights and the impact this has on all of us. I will continue to speak about these issues because many solar panels are currently being manufactured in China, and therefore are closely intertwined with forced labour. Over the last few weeks, I have consistently raised these questions with Evolution Power, to try and gain clarity over their manufacturing and sourcing processes. I have attached to this page copies of letters I have sent to them dated 29 November 2024, 16 December 2024, and 23 January 2025.
My most recent letter of 23 January 2025 is the most detailed, which you are able to read here. I trust you will agree with me that inadequate responses to these concerns are unsatisfactory.
I am grateful for your thoughts too as this will help me challenge them on the proposals brought forward. I know New Ash Green Village Association have further questions too given the impact on the village of some of the supporting cables as well.
I will continue to do everything I can to protect and enhance our wonderful community. Please let me know if you have any further questions, and please do ask your neighbours to be in touch with me if they too are concerned about the project.
