Core Refusal Reason
While the Planning Authority initially refused permission due to glare risks and landscape impacts, the Inspector recommended a grant of permission, concluding that the proposal aligns with renewable energy targets and that potential impacts can be successfully managed through robust landscape mitigation and ecological management plans.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed solar farm extension is consistent with national, regional, and local planning policies aimed at promoting renewable energy and achieving a low-carbon economy by 2050.
- The landscape mitigation plan, including the management of hedgerows at a height of 6 metres and the use of temporary screening, is sufficient to prevent unacceptable glint and glare impacts on the M11 motorway and nearby residential amenities.
- The development is appropriately located within a 'Lowland' landscape unit with high absorption capacity, and supplementary surveys confirmed it would not significantly impact local biodiversity or protected bat species.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective EN07Objective EN10Objective EN18Objective L04Chapter 18Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) - Lowland unit
Decision Document Summary
The application seeks permission for a solar farm extension on a 40.98ha site consisting of four land parcels bisected by the M11 motorway near Camolin, Co. Wexford. The project includes approximately 160,000 sqm of panels with a 35-year operational lifespan, connecting to the national grid via a permitted 110kV substation. Wexford County Council originally refused permission based on three main concerns: the unreliability of new planting as glare mitigation for road users and residents, adverse...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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