2360051
for the erection of 6 no. wind turbines with an overall ground to blade tip height of 185m with a rotor diameter of 162m and a hub height of 104m. The development will also consist of the construction of crane hardstand areas and turbine foundations, improvement of existing site entrance with access onto the N59, construction of one no. temporary construction compound with associated temporary site offices, parking areas and security fencing, installation of 1 no. permanent meteorological mast of 104m overall height, construction of new internal site access tracks and upgrade of existing site track, to include all associated drainage including new clear span bridge crossing of the Owenwee River, development of a site drainage network, construction of one no. permanent 38kV substation, all associated underground electrical and communications cabling connecting the wind turbines to the wind farm substation and biodiversity enhancement measures and peat storage and restoration areas.Gross floor space of proposed works 93.48sqm
Core Refusal Reason
The proposal was refused primarily because the site is located in an area designated as 'Not Normally Permissible' for wind energy development, posing significant risks to a sensitive landscape, traffic safety on a national route, aviation training operations, and protected ecological sites.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development is sited within an area classified as 'Not Normally Permissible' for wind deployment under the Local Authority Renewable Energy Strategy (LARES), representing a material contravention of the County Development Plan's strategic land use policies.
- The scale and height of the turbines would cause significant and negative visual impacts on a Class 3 sensitive landscape and designated scenic routes, failing to be assimilated sympathetically into the high-value rural environment.
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient information to rule out adverse impacts on public safety regarding Air Corps low-flying training areas and traffic hazards on the N59, as well as failing to prove the project would not negatively affect the integrity of Natura 2000 sites and protected species like the Hen Harrier.