Core Refusal Reason
The Planning Authority could not rule out adverse effects on the integrity of the Twelve Bens/Garraun Complex Special Area of Conservation (SAC) due to hydrological connectivity and insufficient mitigation measures for surface water management.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development site is hydrologically connected to the Twelve Bens/Garraun Complex Special Area of Conservation (SAC), which is protected under the EU Habitats and Birds Directives.
- The Planning Authority is not satisfied that the proposed surface water management and discharge to groundwater are sufficiently robust to protect the water quality of the adjacent European site.
- In accordance with the precautionary principle, the authority cannot be certain that the project will not adversely affect the integrity and conservation objectives of the SAC, thereby contravening the Galway County Development Plan 2022-2028.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy Objective NHB 1Policy Objective NHB 2Policy Objective NHB 3Policy Objective NHB 4Policy Objective NHB 5Policy Objective NHB 9DM Standard 50CC 1CC 6RE 1RE 2RE 4RE 5RE 7HT 2HT 3LCM 1LCM 2LCM 3
Decision Document Summary
Kylemore Abbey & Gardens LTD proposed the installation of 370 ground-mounted solar PV panels on a 1.49-hectare site within the historic grounds of Kylemore Abbey, an unserviced rural area designated as an 'Iconic' landscape. While the proposal aligns with general renewable energy policies, it was refused due to its immediate proximity and hydrological link to the Twelve Bens/Garraun Complex SAC. The Planning Authority determined that the applicant failed to demonstrate that the construction and ...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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