2560083
for a period of 10 years to construction and complete a Solar PV and BESS Development with a total site area of 235.8 hectares to include PV panels mounted on metal frames, inverter stations, battery storage infrastructure, (BESS units, PCS Units, storage and maintenance units), new access tracks, underground cabling, perimeter fencing with CCTV cameras and access gates, temporary construction compounds and all ancillary grid infrastructure and associated works. The solar farm would be operational for 40 years. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) will be submitted with this application
Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to significant information deficiencies regarding fire safety, environmental impacts, and archaeology, combined with concerns over traffic safety, hedgerow removal, and the use of productive agricultural land.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to provide adequate technical details regarding fire safety for the BESS and failed to rule out significant adverse impacts on the integrity of European sites and archaeological heritage.
- The creation of two new access points onto the R407 regional road would result in a traffic hazard and interfere with the safety and free flow of traffic in an 80km/h zone.
- The proposal constitutes an inappropriate development on productive agricultural land and involves the removal of over 320m of hedgerow, which is contrary to policies seeking to protect the rural environment and biodiversity.