22387
A 10 YEAR PERMISSION (TO CONSTRUCT DEVELOPMENT) FOR A SOLAR FARM COMPRISING THE INSTALLATION OF PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS ON GROUND MOUNTED FRAMES IN ROWS ON AN AREA OF C.83.55HA. THE DEVELOPMENT WILL ALSO COMPRISE A SINGLE STOREY ON SITE 38KV SUBSTATION WITHIN A COMPOUND, 2 NO SINGLE STORAGE CONTAINERS, 45 NO. BATTERY STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHIN A COMPOUND, 40 NO. INVERTER STATIONS, DUCTING & UNDERGROUND CABLING, PERIMETER FENCING, MOUNTED CCTV CAMERAS, PROVISION OF INTERNAL ACCESS TRACKS AND ALL ASSOCIATED SITE DEVELOPMENT AND LANDSCAPING WORKS. THE APPLICATION SEEKS PERMISSION FOR THE SOLAR FARM TO REMAIN FOR 40 YEARS AND FOR PERMANENT PERMISSION FOR THE SUBSTATION
Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development significantly conflicts with the emerging preferred route corridor for the N52 Tullamore to Kilbeggan Link Road scheme and raises road safety concerns regarding access to the national road network.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development is situated within the study area of the N52 Tullamore to Kilbeggan Link Road, and the Westmeath National Roads Office considers that the proposal poses a high impact on the emerging preferred route corridor.
- Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) stated the proposal is at variance with official policy regarding access to national roads, as it would result in the intensification of an existing direct access onto a road with a speed limit greater than 60kph.
- The visual impact of the solar arrays on the N52 is deemed excessive, and the application lacks sufficient detail regarding archaeological assessments, fire safety management for battery storage, and adequate ecological protection for badger setts.