211226
for a ten-year planning PERMISSION for the construction of a renewable energy development at this site, in the townlands of Glendine North, Fahanlunaghta More, Curraghodea, Letterkelly, Cloghaun More, Tooreen, Silverhill, Doonsallagh East and Knockalassa, Co. Clare (approximately 6.5km to the east of Miltown Malbay). The development will consist of the provision of the following: 1. 8 No. wind turbines with an overall ground-to-blade tip height in the range of 175 metres maximum to 173 metres minimum; a blade length in the range of 75 metres maximum to 66.5 metres minimum; and hub height in the range of 108.5 metre maximum to 100 metres minimum; 2. A thirty-year operational life from the date of full commissioning of the development and subsequent decommissioning; 3. A Meteorological Mast with a height of 30 metres; 4. All associated underground electrical cabling (33kV) connecting the proposed turbines via Ring Main Unit (RMU) to the 110kV substation in the townland of Knockalassa; 5. Permanent extension to the 110kV substation at Knockalassa comprising extension to the existing substation compound, provision of a new control building with welfare facilities and all associated electrical plant and equipment for an additional 110kV bay and security fencing; 6. Upgrade of access junctions; 7. Upgrade of existing tracks/roads and provision of new site access roads and hardstand areas; 8. 2 no. borrow pits; 9. 2 no. temporary construction compounds; 10. Site Drainage; 11. Forestry Felling; 12. Operational stage site signage; and 13. All associated site development ancillary works and apparatus. The Proposed Development will have an operational life of 30 years from the date of commissioning of the development and the application seeks a ten-year planning permission. An Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared in respect of the proposed development and will be submitted to the planning authority with the application
Core Refusal Reason
The development was refused due to its excessive scale and visual impact on the landscape, detrimental effects on residential amenity through noise and overbearing presence, and significant ecological risks to the Hen Harrier habitat and peat stability.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed 175m turbines would constitute a visually overbearing feature on the open upland landscape, significantly injuring the visual amenities of the area and contravening landscape protection objectives.
- The development fails to protect the residential amenity of the local community, as the cumulative noise and visual impact would be dominating and overbearing for nearby properties.
- The planning authority is not satisfied that the proposal would not have a significant adverse impact on the habitat of the Hen Harrier or that peat management and ground stability have been adequately addressed.