Since they were reclaimed from the sea in the Middle Ages, the dyke-bound fields of Romney Marsh have been among England's most distinctive landscapes. Now this part of south Kent offers common ground between the Green Party and Reform UK. The insurgent parties of left and right are united in opposing plans to develop more than 5,000 acres — or 10 per cent of the marshland — for solar panels. "We've got unanimity" on solar, said Jim Martin, Green leader of Folkestone and Hythe District Council.

Three large projects have been proposed: South Brooks Solar Farm backed by EDF Renewables, South Kent Energy Park backed by Low Carbon, and SSE Renewables' Shepway Energy Park. Together they expect to power more than 200,000 homes. However, Martin said his policy was "roofs before rural". David Wimble, Reform's lead for economic development at Kent county council, offered a remarkably similar argument: "Farmland is the wrong place."

Local opposition is strong. Farmer Mike Wrout fears panels will spread "like a cancer". The "Hands Off Our Marsh" campaign has over 2,000 supporters. Founder Amanda Farrant said: "Solar panels on the best quality farmland is just nuts." Local Labour MP Tony Vaughan also raised concerns about cumulative impact.

Yet local politicians lack blocking power. These are "nationally significant infrastructure projects" decided by central government, which aims for clean power by 2030. Industry argues big farms are cheaper than rooftop solar. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said solar helps cut bills and all projects face rigorous planning.