25/4167

10 Year Planning permission for a solar farm with a total area of circa 9 hectares. The solar farm will consist of solar panels on ground mounted frames, 2 no. single storey electrical inverter/transformer stations, 2 no. containerised energy storage modules, 1 no. single storey spare parts container, 1 no. medium voltage control/switching substation (comprising either single-storey building or 2 no. modular units), 1 no. weather station, underground electrical ducting and cabling within the development site, security fencing, CCTV, access tracks, temporary construction compound, landscaping and all associated ancillary development and drainage works. Construction and operational access will be via 1 no. existing entrance from the L7247. The operational lifespan of the solar farm will be 40 years and planning permission is requested for the duration.

Granted

Core Planning Reasoning

The Inspector recommends a grant of permission as the development is consistent with national and regional policies supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy and renewable energy targets. Furthermore, the Inspector determined that the site's 'Medium' landscape sensitivity can absorb the proposal without significant adverse visual or residential amenity impacts, provided mitigation measures and conditions are implemented.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The proposed solar farm aligns with the National Planning Framework (NPF) and Climate Action Plan objectives to reach 8GW of solar power by 2030, justifying the principle of development at this rural location.
  • The residential amenity of nearby dwellings, specifically the third-party appellant, is protected by a substantial setback of over 200m and proposed high-quality native hedgerow screening which will mitigate visual intrusion and noise.
  • Potential environmental and technical risks regarding archaeology (a detected ring-ditch), glint and glare, and surface water runoff have been sufficiently mitigated through layout revisions and specific planning conditions requiring pre-development testing and sustainable drainage (SuDS).

Cited Policies (CDP)

Objective ET 13-1Objective ET 13-14Objective ET 13-21Objective ET 13-22Section 14.8Objective GI 14-9Objective GI 14-10Objective GI 14-12Objective GI 14-13Objective GI 14-14Objective BE 15-2Objective BE 15-6Objective BE 15-7Objective HE 16-2Objective HE 16-5Objective HE 16-9Objective HE 16-13Objective HE 16-14Objective HE 16-15Objective HE 16-16Objective TO 10-1Objective TO 10-3Objective TO 10-5

Decision Document Summary

Integer Energy LTD is seeking a 10-year permission for a solar PV farm with a 40-year operational life on an 8.9ha site at Farrangalway, Kinsale, Co. Cork. The site currently consists of an arable field adjacent to Kinsale Golf Club and is near another solar farm currently under construction. The Inspector's report addresses a third-party appeal from a local resident concerned with cumulative impacts, flooding, and loss of rural character. The Inspector concludes that the 'Rolling Patchwork Farm...
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