211918

a Solar PV Energy Development with a total site area of 23.58 ha, to include solar panels mounted on steel support structures, associated cabling and ducting, 5 No. MV Power Stations, 1 No. Client Substation, 1 No. Temporary Construction Compound, access tracks, hardstanding area, boundary security fencing and security gates, CCTV, landscaping and ancillary works. Significant further information/revised plans submitted on this application

Granted

Core Planning Reasoning

The development is recommended for grant as it complies with European, national, and local policy frameworks for renewable energy. The Inspector found that the proposal would not significantly impact visual or residential amenities, traffic safety, or the integrity of Natura 2000 sites, and represents a sustainable use of rural land compatible with the Meath County Development Plan.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The development is in accordance with European, national, and regional renewable energy policies and the specific provisions of the Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027.
  • The proposal would not seriously injure the visual or residential amenities of the area, nor would it interfere with protected views, archaeological heritage, or landscape character.
  • The project is acceptable in terms of traffic safety, glint and glare, and flood risk, and will not have a significant adverse effect on any European site or local ecology.

Cited Policies (CDP)

ED POL 19Policy INF POI 34Policy INF POL 35Policy INF POL 36INF OBJ 39INF OBJ 47DM POL 27DM OBJ 76INF OBJ 28INF POL 43Policy HER POL 2Policy HER POL 3Policy HER POL 4HER POL 37Policy HER POL 49Policy HER POL 50Policy HER POL 52Zoning RA Rural AreasLCA 10 The Ward Lowlands

Decision Document Summary

The Inspector's Report reviews a 10-year permission request for a 13.5 MW solar PV energy development on a 23.58-hectare site at Ballybin, Ashbourne, Co. Meath. The site is agricultural pasture within a rural area zoned 'RA Rural Areas'. The proposal includes solar panels, five MV power stations, a substation, and a temporary construction compound. While originally granted by Meath County Council, the decision was appealed by Eco Advocacy CLG on grounds relating to the loss of agricultural land,...
SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.