Fears ancient ruin will become 'industrial park'

Two solar farms could be built on the Roman site

Plans for a solar farm near ancient ruins in Kent have been unveiled, prompting some to worry the area will be turned into a "large industrial park".

RBL Solar is set to apply to build a 40MW solar farm close to a Roman site at Richborough near Sandwich.

The project - dubbed "Little South Solar Farm" - could supply enough low-carbon, renewable energy to power up to 40,000 homes, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

RBL Solar has been approached for a comment.

An environmental impact assessment report submitted by RBL Solar to Dover District Council details the Roman ruins are about 75m (82 yards) from the proposed solar farm.

The local authority is yet to decide whether the 87-football-pitch-sized site on a former landfill will go ahead.

Richborough once had a large Roman fort, town, and amphitheatre.

It was the first permanent Roman settlement in Britain after the invasion by Emperor Claudian in 43 AD.

'Massive' solar farm

The wall of the fortress and amphitheatre remain visible on the site, managed by English Heritage.

"This part of the East Kent coastal area is fast losing its rural character," said local archaeologist Dr Tony Redding.

"In a decade it will be a large industrial park."

He claimed the "massive" solar farm would destroy the quality of life for thousands of people, degrade public values and destroy heritage.

A larger 50MW solar farm was proposed near the ruins last year and is still awaiting approval.

It attracted more than 700 objections.