It feels like a long time since we were busy preparing and making our objections prior to the deadline in January. Sadly there hasn't been much to update since with several planning committee meetings cancelled and the most recent agenda not considering the North Court application.
However, Old Wives Lees has been in the National News – Why we must protect The North Downs Way
One of the reasons that SOWLIS and many others have objected to the planning application for the proposed siting of a Solar Farm at North Court Farm in Old Wives Lees is the consequential harm to the visual landscape in general and to the North Downs Way in particular. The North Downs Way is a historic route of 153 miles, stretching from Surrey to Dover and running directly through Old Wives Lees; up Long Hill, along Lower Lees Road and then through open farmland included in the planning application for the proposed solar farm. If successful, this will have a negative impact on a key tourist and recreational route celebrated for glorious views across open Kent countryside and internationally renowned for its’ wonderful views and the opportunity to find peace, tranquillity and transformation from nature.
We are therefore delighted that these unique and special views from the North Downs Way in Old Wives Lees have been celebrated and chosen as the site for one of only nine works of public art that are carefully positioned along the North Downs Way as part of the North Downs Way Art Trail, allowing walkers and riders to pause and soak up the scenery and local history.
‘Feel our Voice’ by Kezia Cole is a beautiful bench constructed from old and recycled apple bins from Rickards Farms and sited on the North Downs Way on top of the hill (locally called Moons Bank) at Lower Ensden, Old Wives Lees. Views have been described as:
Picture Postcard rural Kent with Orchards and Oast houses and views across the Stour Valley as you head towards Canterbury’
Why not come and see for yourself?
The importance of the North Kent Downs to the local rural economy has also generated interest within the national press. Moons Bank in Old Wives Lees has appeared in a Guardian Article on 11 April 2023 that explores experiential tourism along the North Kent Downs. Experiential tourism gives visitors the opportunity to actively take part in sustainable low impact nature-based tourism experiences and allows individuals and small rural businesses to develop and provide those experiences. Visit Kent and the North Downs Way are working together to help businesses, organisations and individuals to develop sustainable rural tourism experiences in the Kent Downs AONB and along the North Downs Way, bringing visitors all year round. Old Wives Lees plays a key role in this investment to grow the tourism industry and benefit the local economy.