2151263
40 YEAR PERMISSION FOR AN ADDITIONAL 1 NO. WIND TURBINE, TO THE EXISTING 3 NO. TURBINE WINDFARM CONSISTING OF CONSTRUCTION OF: (1) 1 NO. WIND TURBINE WITH A HUB HEIGHT OF UP TO 84 METRES AND AN OVERALL HEIGHT OF UP TO 125 METRES TO BLADE TIP, (2) 1 NO.CRANE HARDSTAND AREA LOCATED BESIDE THE TURBINE, (3) 1 NO. 20 kV SUBSTATION BUILDING WITH ASSOCIATED ELECTRICAL PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, (4) INTERNAL WIND FARM UNDERGROUND CABLING, (5) NEW SITE ACCESS TRACK, (6) INSTALLATION OF A DRAINAGE SYSTEM FOR THE PROPOSED HARD STAND AND ACCESS TRACK AREAS, (7) UNDERGROUND GRID CONNECTION OF APPROXIMATELY 910 METRES IN LENGTH, PREDOMINANTLY ALONG THE EXISTING WIND FARM ACCESS ROAD NETWORK AND ALL ASSOCIATED SITE DEVELOPMENT AND ANCILLARY WORKS IN THE TOWNLANDS
Core Refusal Reason
The Inspector recommends granting permission on appeal, overturning the Planning Authority's refusal, on the basis that one additional turbine at a reduced scale (100m tip height) is consistent with national renewable energy targets, integrates into the existing wind farm context without significant visual detriment to the Moderate Scenic Amenity area, and raises no significant environmental or technical concerns.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The 'lacuna' in the County Development Plan regarding specific wind energy policies (following the Planree Limited V Donegal CC ruling) does not create a policy vacuum that precludes a grant of permission, as the proposal remains supported by overarching national and regional renewable energy frameworks.
- While the originally proposed 125m turbine was considered over-scaled, the revised alternative submitted at appeal (100m tip height) is found to be visually compatible with the existing three-turbine layout and the surrounding mountainous landscape.
- Environmental impacts, specifically regarding noise emissions, peat stability in the vicinity of Coguish Bog pNHA, and potential traffic disruptions during construction, are determined to be within acceptable limits and manageable through the application of standard planning conditions.