2560155
a 10 year permission for a Battery Energy Storage system. The proposed development will comprise of the following; A Battery Energy Storage System with associated infrastructure including a new internal access road, approximately 50 metres in length to the permitted Garreenleen Solar Farm (Planning Ref. 22163); An approximately 90 metre 33kV double circuit underground cable grid connection to the permitted Bendinstown 110kV Substation (Planning Ref. ABP–313139), to be installed in an excavated trench including underground ducting; Modular office and welfare buildings; Six steel storage containers and all associated site development and reinstatement works. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared and is included with this planning application.
Core Refusal Reason
The applicant failed to provide a comprehensive Archaeological Impact Assessment (AIA) and test excavations to ensure the protection of nearby Recorded Monuments and potential subsurface archaeological remains.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development is located in close proximity to Recorded Monuments CW013-023001 (Church) and CW013-023003 (Graveyard), and in the absence of an Archaeological Impact Assessment, the potential for disturbance of subsurface remains cannot be ruled out.
- The proposal materially contravenes policies AH.P1, AH.P3, and AH.P4 of the Carlow County Development Plan 2022-2028, which mandate the preservation and protection of archaeological heritage and monuments.
- Granting permission without the required archaeological assessments would set an undesirable precedent for future developments and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.