2630
planning permission 201340 for an agricultural feedstock based 1MW Anaerobic Digestion (AD) biomethane facility producing renewable energy facility utilising 29,800 tonnes per annum of agriculture sourced feedstocks, the proposed development will occupy an area of 2.31 hectares and will include the following elements: 1 no. single storey reception building with welfare facilities, staff and visitor car-parking, 1 no. truck delivery and pickup hardstanding area, 1 no. site perimeter low level bund, 1 no. overground water storage tank, 2 no. 40ft storage containers, 1 no. 20ft storage container, 1 no. propane storage tank, 1 no. methane storage tank, 1 no. feedstock hopper/feeder, 1 no. wheel wash, 1 no. rainwater harvesting system, 1 no. underground rainwater storage tank, 1 no. weighbridge, 2 no. anaerobic digester tanks, 2 no. digestate storage tanks, 1 no. slurry storage tank, 4 no. feed-stock clamps, 1 no. biogas and biomethane flare, condensate trap and pump, 1 no. 500 kWCHP plant, 1 no. pump and control room container, 1 no. biogas cleaning and upgrading container, 1 no. biogas compression container, 2 no. water interceptor units, 1 no. surface water soak-away designed to BRE365, surface water and feedstock leachate management infrastructure, 1 no. 6 PE wastewater treatment system, 1 no. ESB substation, new entrance off L1071, external perimeter stockproof fencing and gates, landscaping and tree screening and associated site works
Core Refusal Reason
The application failed to demonstrate that 'substantial works' had been carried out pursuant to the original planning permission (Ref: 201340) as required by Section 42(1)(a)(II) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- A site inspection conducted on 25/03/2026 confirmed that development has not yet commenced on the subject site.
- The application fails to meet the statutory requirements of Section 42(1)(a)(II) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as no evidence of 'substantial works' carried out during the appropriate period was provided.
- The planner determined that the reasons provided for the delay, including waiting for grant aid and national strategy announcements, do not satisfy the legal criteria for an extension where works have not commenced.