2460043
A 10 Year Planning Permission for a solar farm with a total area of circa 192 hectares. The solar farm will consist of solar panels on ground mounted frames, 30 no. single storey electrical inverter/transformer stations, 4 no. single storey spare parts containers, 4 no. Ring Main Units, 8 no. weather stations, underground electrical ducting and cabling within the development site, private lands and within the L3051, L3052 and L3050 public roads to connect solar farm field parcels, security fencing, CCTV, access tracks, 2 no. stream deck crossings and 1 no. horizontal directional drill, temporary construction compounds, landscaping and all associated ancillary development and drainage works. Construction and operational access will be via 4 no. entrances from the L3051, L3052 and L3050. The operational lifespan of the solar farm will be 40 years and planning permission is requested for this duration. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared and will be submitted to the Planning Authority with the application
Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development would result in significant and disproportionate landscape and visual impacts on a sensitive rural area, specifically the 'Farmed Ridges' landscape type, which is designated as a 'High Risk' area for solar development, and would adversely affect multiple protected views and scenic routes.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development would give rise to disproportionate and adverse landscape and visual impacts on the character of the rural area and the sensitive 'Farmed Ridges' landscape type.
- The proposal would negatively impact the established appearance and aesthetic attributes of designated scenic route numbers 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, as well as protected view numbers 31, 32, and 33.
- Granting permission would set an undesirable precedent for the incursion of solar farm developments into areas identified as 'High (Maximum) Risk' within the County's solar energy policy.