Core Planning Reasoning
The proposed development is consistent with national, regional, and local planning policies supporting renewable energy and, subject to compliance with conditions, it would not seriously injure the visual or residential amenities of the area, nor would it adversely affect the integrity of European Sites.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The solar farm complies with the strategic move toward a low-carbon future and meets exceptions for industrial energy projects within settlement exclusion zones.
- Potential impacts on visual and residential amenity, including noise and glint/glare, are negligible given the site's topography, separation distances, and proposed landscape screening.
- The project will not adversely affect the integrity of the River Slaney Valley SAC or Wexford Harbour & Slobs SPA provided the mitigation measures in the NIS are implemented.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Wexford County Development Plan 2022-2028PT01PT02PT03PT04ES01ES03Section 4.2Section 4.2.5Objective GI01
Decision Document Summary
The application seeks a 35-year permission for a 5.48MW solar farm consisting of approximately 8,300 ground-mounted panels on a 14-hectare site at the IDA Business & Technology Park, Wexford. The site comprises agricultural lands used for grazing and is adjacent to a soft drinks manufacturing facility which the project intends to serve. Despite the site's location within a Settlement Exclusion Zone, the Inspector concludes that it fulfills local policy exceptions for industrial self-supply. The ...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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