22/4909
Modification to the solar farm permitted under planning reg no. 15/6625 and extended under 21/4505. The modifications consist of changes to the dimensions of the permitted photovoltaic panels, replacement of the 2 transformer stations with 1 smaller transformer station and 1 smaller storage unit, changes to the design of the delivery station and associated layout changes. All modifications are within the boundary of the permitted development.
Core Planning Reasoning
The Inspector recommended the removal of Condition No. 15 (a special financial contribution) on the basis that the development constitutes minor modifications to an extant permission that already includes valid road remediation conditions, and the Planning Authority failed to demonstrate that these specific modifications generate additional exceptional infrastructure costs under Section 48(2)(c) of the Act.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The application relates to minor modifications and revisions of an extant permission rather than a stand-alone solar energy development.
- The proposed modifications would not generate material impacts or additional construction traffic beyond those already assessed and permitted under the parent permission (Ref. 15/6625).
- Conditions 15 and 16 of the original permission remain valid and sufficient to secure road remediation, making the additional special contribution under Condition 15 unnecessary and inconsistent.