2360159

The development will consist of the extension of the operational lifespan of a solar farm permitted by Carlow County Council under Planning Reg. 22/118 from 35 No. years as permitted (by reason of condition No. 3 of permission Planning Reg. 22/118) to 40 No. years.

Refused

Core Refusal Reason

The proposal to extend the operational lifespan from 35 to 40 years materially contravenes Condition No. 3(a) of the parent permission (Reg. Ref. 22/118) and would hinder the Planning Authority's ability to review the development in light of future circumstances.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The extension of the operational lifespan would materially contravene Condition No. 3(a) of the parent permission (Reg. Ref. 22/118), which specifically restricted the lifespan to 35 years.
  • Granting the extension would restrict the Planning Authority's ability to review the solar farm's operation against future technological advancements and changing environmental circumstances.
  • The proposal would set an undesirable precedent for similar developments in the county and is considered contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

Cited Policies (CDP)

Chapter 4Chapter 6Chapter 7Chapter 10Volume 2b appendix VICarlow County Development Plan 2022-2028

Decision Document Summary

EEPV8 Limited sought permission to extend the operational lifespan of a permitted 14.16-hectare solar farm at Kilcarrig, Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow, from 35 years to 40 years. The application was refused primarily because it sought to override a specific condition of the parent permission (Reg. Ref. 22/118). The Planning Authority determined that maintaining the 35-year limit is necessary to ensure the ability to review the site's suitability in the future, and that allowing the extension would se...
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