There was a strong turnout at the KSCA AGM on 11 February 2026 at The Reading Room in Weston Colville, as residents gathered to hear the latest on the proposed Kingsway Solar Farm and what happens next.
The evening began with the launch of a new campaign video created by Bob Coates and members of the local community — a powerful reminder of why so many people are concerned about the scale and impact of the project.
Where things stand
The Chair’s update covered the current position of the proposed solar farm and battery storage scheme, and where we are in the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) process.
Residents were encouraged to register as Interested Parties when the application moves to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) stage, so their voices are formally heard during the Examination process.
Download the presentation here
Download the full minutes here
Finances and membership
Since the last AGM, KSCA has received £10,329.55 in donations and spent £6,106.73 on campaign activity — including hall hire, conferences, website costs and promotional materials like boards and posters.
The current balance stands at £5,138.02. With planned costs for establishing Community Interest Company (CIC) status, around £3,400 will remain available for ongoing campaign work.
Membership has grown to 170 people, with seven new members joining since the start of the year.
New committee for 2026–2027
The following committee was elected for the coming year:
- Chairperson: Tony Day
- Treasurer: Calvin Sambrook
- Secretary: Phillipa Cornish (Elected)
- Communications Coordinator: Ellen Collier (Elected)
- Lobbying Coordinator: Sarah Franklin
- Research Coordinator: Kathy Day
- Fundraising Coordinator: Faye Parker
- Parish Council Liaison Officer: Simon Chandler
- Committee Members without portfolio: Richard Pargeter and Jeremy Newton (Elected)
The group also thanked retiring Co-Chair Vicky Moss for her contribution to the campaign.
Growing campaign, growing support
Over the past year, KSCA has:
- Joined the national Stop Oversized Solar campaign
- Met with MPs and contributed to wider policy discussions
- Seen increasing media interest
- Attended industry conferences and webinars
- Prepared research papers and legal groundwork
A Legal Steering Group has been created to help shape the next phase of the process, which will require the involvement of a barrister and a legal team.
Key concerns raised
Residents raised concerns about the loss of productive farmland, risks of battery storage and wider grid infrastructure issues. There was support for promoting rooftop and brownfield solar as alternatives, alongside worries about whether the Examination process will fairly consider individual objections. There was also discussion about engaging further with MPs and exploring whether Conservation Area status could offer additional protection.
What you can do
KSCA encouraged residents to:
- Register with PINS
- Support the CrowdJustice legal fund
- Become a KSCA member to receive updates
You can follow the project here:
Planning Inspectorate project page:
👉https://national-infrastructure-consenting.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/EN010165
Developer’s website:
👉https://kingswaysolarfarm.co.uk/
Details and updates are available at:
👉 https://kingswayaction.org
With the project moving forward through the NSIP process, 2026 is shaping up to be a crucial year. The message from the AGM was clear: community involvement now will matter later.