Watch the video recording of the talk and listen to the audio of the Q&A about Kingsway Solar plans below.
On Sunday 8th June, over 120 local residents joined KSCA committee members and volunteers for a peaceful countryside walk through West Wratting, part of a national day of action raising awareness about the spread of industrial-scale solar farms, pylons, and battery storage in rural areas.
The event followed public footpaths across fields threatened by the proposed Kingsway Solar Farm — land that could soon be covered by 4-metre-high solar panels or battery storage units.
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Instead of metal, glass and concrete, walkers were met with the rustle of barley swaying in the breeze and the swoop of swallows feeding on insects overhead — a striking reminder of what could be lost. At one checkpoint, the group paused to take in the 360-degree views that would be transformed by the development. Many were visibly emotional at the scale of change being proposed.
After the walk, residents gathered at West Wratting Village Hall for refreshments, wildlife presentations, and a talk outlining the Kingsway proposal, why we are opposing the development and how residents can get involved.
To watch the talk, see the video links below (see below for audio Q&A)
View or download a copy of the slide presentation here
Introduction
Scheme explained
Why large-scale solar?
Why we don’t want it
Process and timeline
What we need to do
Q&A Audio (Use your arrow keys to fast-forward ➡️ and rewind ⬅️ )
Following the presentation, residents voiced growing concerns about the Kingsway Solar Farm during the Q&A session. Simon Thorley from West Wratting explained that seed funding had been secured on behalf of the Parish Council for expert legal and environmental reports, with a focus on pollution, traffic, and the risk to the local aquifer.
Residents also raised concerns about battery safety, solar panel waste and unclear recycling and decommissioning plans. Skepticism remains over the promise to return land to agriculture after 40 years, with fears of permanent industrialisation. Archaeological risks and proximity to sites like Brinkley Woodland Cemetery were also highlighted. The need for unity, careful scrutiny of design plans, and strong, focused objections to influence the upcoming planning process were stressed.
A big thank you to everyone who walked with us. To stay connected with our campaigns and ongoing work, we would love you to join as a member using this simple form.
Take our survey
Finally, tell how you think the solar farm may impact your wellbeing, lifestyle, and connection to the local area by completing our survey. Your feedback will help shape our community response to the Statutory Consultation.
Look out for coverage in the local press and share your thoughts on our Facebook page or in our Facebook group
Please could you let me have a copy of the slides used at the presentation so that i can pass them on to the solicitors?
many thanks, Simon Thorley
Hi Simon, thank you for your comment. The slides from the presentation are now in the post.