Last weekend, residents gathered in Weston Colville for a much-loved circular community walk. The route began at the River Stour, an important drinking water source for communities in Essex, and continued along the Avenue, where trees have been planted by the community, along the byway, over the River Stour ford, and back down the bridleway past Lower Wood and the plantation.
During the walk, marshalls were on hand to explain the potential impact of the proposed Kingsway Solar Farm, using AI-generated visual impressions to illustrate how panels and infrastructure could change the landscape.
Click here to listen to what some of the walkers had to say
Particular attention was drawn to the planned solar panel coverage and a new haul road, which is set to become part of a large construction zone with a wide concrete strip to support a works unit. This development will have a significant effect on Brinkley Road traffic and on local landowners Emma and Johnny Kaye, who would be asked to give up 83 hectares of prime arable farmland.
Johnny Kaye told attendees:
“Food security is a serious issue for National Security. This is Best and Most Versatile farmland. We have a growing population of 70 million to feed. Put solar panels on roofs and car parks, and if necessary on poor-quality farmland, but do not compromise our ability to feed ourselves.”
Talk and Q&A
Following the walk, residents gathered at the Weston Colville Reading Room for a talk and Q&A session with key speakers: Tony Day, Chair of KSCA, Simon Thorley, Chair of the Legal Steering Committee, and Nick Acklam, Chair of Reach Parish Council.
The panel outlined the next steps in the planning process and urged residents to register for updates with the Planning Inspectorate (PINS). Once Kingsway submits their application, the Inspectorate has 28 days to decide whether to accept it for examination.
To register for PINS click here
During the Q&A, it was revealed that Kingsway does not yet have permission to connect to the National Grid, raising further questions about the feasibility of the project.
Nick Acklam commented:
“In any common-sense assessment, the harms of this scheme massively outweigh the benefits. As far as I can see, nobody benefits from this scheme apart from the developer and its investors. There is far more solar capacity already in the pipeline than can be used by the country or accommodated by the Grid up to 2035.”
Watch the video of the talk here
A breakdown of the Development Consent Order (DCO) planning process was presented to show what is involved. We are currently at the stage where the application will be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate (Step 2), now expected in April 2026.
Next Steps for the Community
The Parish Council Alliance is encouraging as many residents as possible to register as Interested Parties and submit a short comment (Relevant Representation). The goal is to achieve over 1,000 registrations.
KSCA and the Parish Council Alliance have teamed up with Richard Buxton Solicitors to bring in specialist experts. Detailed analysis on Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), hydrology, landscape, and other key areas will be crucial in building a strong case during the examination phase.
Residents who wish to help can pledge funds to the legal campaign via Crowd Justice, supporting the professional legal team already in place.
To pledge your support, click here
Challenging a major development like Kingsway Solar requires both legal expertise and community support — and our walk highlighted why protecting this landscape matters to everyone.