24/6157
A 10 year Permission is sought for a solar farm with a total area of circa 161 hectares. The solar farm will consist of solar panels on ground mounted frames, 23 no. single storey electrical inverter/transformer stations, 6 no. single storey spare parts containers, 3 no. Ring Main Units, 7 no. weather stations, underground electrical ducting and cabling within the development site, private lands and within the L62031, L6203, R619, L6207, L22012 and L2204 public roads to connect solar farm field parcels, security fencing, CCTV, access tracks, 4 no. stream/drain deck crossings, 6 no. horizontal directional drill crossings ( under watercourse/drains/public road), temporary construction compounds, landscaping and all associated ancillary development and drainage works. Construction and operational access will be via 7 no. entrances from L62031, L6203, L22012, L6398 and L2204 local roads. The operational lifespan of the solar farm will be 40 years and planning permission is requested for this duration.
Core Refusal Reason
The applicant failed to provide sufficient archaeological investigations to demonstrate that potential archaeological features would be preserved in-situ and safeguarded.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant has not demonstrated that adequate archaeological investigations were conducted to guide the development toward preserving potential heritage features in-situ.
- The proposal contravenes County Development Plan Objectives HE 16-9 and HE 16-13, which aim to safeguard archaeological heritage.
- Granting permission would set an undesirable precedent and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.