Core Planning Reasoning
The proposed development is consistent with national and local planning policies supporting renewable energy and carbon reduction, is located in an area designated as open for consideration for solar farms in the Wexford County Development Plan, and will not negatively impact the visual amenity of the area or the integrity of any European sites.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development is strongly supported by the Wexford County Development Plan 2022-2028 objectives for renewable energy and energy efficiency in public buildings.
- Technical assessments, including AA screening and Water Framework Directive considerations, demonstrate that the small-scale nature of the works and the absence of hydrological pathways eliminate risks to protected habitats and water quality.
- The proposal represents proper planning and sustainable development, providing 100% on-site renewable energy consumption for the EPA headquarters at Johnstown Castle.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective ED43Policy ES03Policy ES05Policy ES06Section 4.2Map no. 6, Volume 10
Decision Document Summary
This report assesses an appeal against Wexford County Council's decision to grant permission for an 88kW solar PV development at the EPA headquarters in Johnstown Castle, County Wexford. The project involves a 160-panel ground-mounted array on approximately 650 sqm of made ground and the replacement of existing roof panels, with all generated power consumed at the source. A third-party appellant challenged the grant, citing potential flaws in the Habitats Directive screening and the absence of a...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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