On 7 April 2025, the Kingsway Solar Community Action (KSCA) held its first AGM in Balsham. This marks an important milestone for the group, since its formation in May 2024. The event drew a good turnout from the local community, reflecting the growing concern around the proposed Kingsway solar farm development and the commitment of residents to protect their countryside.
During the meeting, KSCA members and attendees formally voted in the organisation’s first committee:
- Co-Chair: Vicky Moss
- Co-chair: Tony Day
- Secretary: Ellen Collier
- Research Coordinator: Kathy Day
- Parish Council Coordinator: Simon Chandler
- Lobbying Coordinator: Sarah Franklin
- Communications Coordinator: Roz Howling
- Committee Member 1: Pippa Cornish
- Committee Member 2: Richard Pargeter
The role of Fundraising Coordinator remains unfilled, and KSCA is actively seeking someone to step into this important position.
Co-Chair Tony Day gave a short presentation introducing KSCA and summarising its work to date.
What We've Achieved So Far
Since its formation, KSCA has moved quickly. The group now has a fully constituted committee and has been engaging with Parish, District, and County Councils. The website is live, supported by a growing social media presence with over 400 followers on Facebook.
KSCA has gained media attention through BBC Look East and local press, met with Downing Renewable Developments (the developer behind Kingsway), and produced leaflets, posters, newsletters, and blogs to keep the community informed.
We’ve already responded to the first non-statutory consultation and supported Parish Councils in responding to the Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report. As a member of the UK Solar Alliance, KSCA is actively collaborating with other campaign groups and monitoring other Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) across the country.
Our work has reached Parliament too: KSCA has met with our local MP, participated in a Parliamentary Roundtable, and continues to work with Solar Q to support national lobbying. We’ve also attended planning briefings and a virtual NSIP Reform conference. Public engagement campaigns like Step Into Nature are helping bring residents closer to the local environment and our shared cause.
What’s Next for KSCA
Looking ahead, KSCA will continue to provide clear, accessible information to the community as the Kingsway proposal moves forward. We will aim to:
- Support national efforts such as the National Community Walk
- Review the final project designs and Environmental Impact Assessment report
- Respond to the Statutory Consultation
- Collect evidence to build a strong case for the public examination phase
- Maintain regular engagement with our local MP, councillors, and the Secretary of State’s Office
If the scheme goes ahead, KSCA will fight to ensure the community receives fair compensation for the impact on its countryside and way of life.
Questions from the floor
Attendees raised concerns that the wildlife survey for Parcel C won’t span a full year and that traffic survey cameras were in place for only a few days. There was also discussion about the RSPB survey and potential impacts on bird populations. The committee was asked to share a list of red-listed or nationally rare and threatened species to support local recording efforts. Involving local farmers in the group’s work was suggested, and it was recommended that a lawyer with experience in opposing large-scale planning applications be consulted as early as possible.
How You Can Help
To sustain our momentum, KSCA needs your support. We’re calling on:
- Volunteers to bring their skills to our campaigns
- Experts willing to offer time to help with consultation response
- Donors to support essential costs like printing, travel, and legal advice
Most of all, we need your voice. The more people who speak up, the more we can influence decision-makers.
Our Vision
KSCA is firmly opposed to the proposed solar farm and BESS from Kingsway Solar (Downing Renewable Developments).
KSCA stands for a fair, sustainable green transition—one that protects nature, supports communities, and promotes responsible development. We advocate for renewable energy solutions that respect wildlife, preserve the countryside, and provide real benefits to local people.
By staying informed, working together, and holding developers to account, we will ensure that community interests remain at the heart of every decision.
Stay involved. Stay informed.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and if you haven’t already, sign up to become a KSCA member today.