2460903

10 YEAR PLANNING PERMISSION WHICH WILL CONSIST OF (1) UPGRADING OF APPROXIMATELY 0.7KM OF EXISTING ACCESS TRACK AND EXISTING SITE ENTRANCE, (2) CONSTRUCTION OF APPROXIMATELY 1.2KM OF NEW ACCESS TRACKS AND NEW SITE ENTRANCE, AND (3) CONSTRUCTION OF A 5.5M SPAN TEMPORARY BRIDGE AND ASSOCIATED ANCILLARY INFRASTRUCTURE

Refused

Core Refusal Reason

The proposal was refused due to significant uncertainties regarding peat stability, the lack of a site-specific hydrological assessment, and potential adverse impacts on sensitive habitats (upland blanket bog) and the Freshwater Pearl Mussel catchment, making it contrary to environmental protection policies.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The applicant failed to adequately demonstrate that the risk of peat instability or bog burst has been mitigated, particularly in central areas of the site characterized by saturated peat and proximity to watercourses.
  • Significant gaps exist in the habitat survey data, specifically the lack of a detailed botanical classification (IVC system), which prevents the exclusion of Annex I listed habitats within the site's footprint.
  • In the absence of a comprehensive hydrology and hydrogeology impact assessment, it is not possible to rule out negative impacts on surface water quality or the integrity of the downstream Freshwater Pearl Mussel sensitive area.

Cited Policies (CDP)

Policy WE-P-1Policy WE-P-3Objective WW-O-1Policy WW-P-2Policy BIO-P-1Policy BIO-P-3Policy L-P-2Objective E-O-5Policy E-P-2Map 9.2.1Policy WE-P-5Policy WE-P-7Policy WE-P-8Objective BIO-O-1Objective BIO-O-2Policy BIO-P-4Map 11.1Objective AYH-O-1Policy TS-P-1

Decision Document Summary

The proposal involves the upgrade of 0.7km and construction of 1.2km of access tracks, including a new site entrance and a temporary 5.5m span bridge, intended to facilitate abnormal load deliveries for the Bradán Wind Farm. Located in County Donegal, the 5.16ha site is situated on upland blanket bog. While the Inspector acknowledged that the principle of the development to support a permitted wind farm is acceptable, the technical assessment revealed critical deficiencies. The Inspector argued ...
SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.