2251393
A TEN YEAR PLANNING PERMISSION FOR A RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT WITH A 40-YEAR OPERATIONAL LIFE FROM THE DATE OF COMMISSIONING. THE DEVELOPMENT WILL CONSISTS OF (1) CONSTRUCTION OF 3 WIND TURBINE GENERATORS AND ASSOCIATED HARDSTANDS AREAS WITHIN THE FOLLOWING PARAMETERS (A) A TOTAL TIP HEIGHT IN THE RANGE OF 145 METRES MINIMUM TO 150 METRES MAXIMUM (B) HUB HEIGHT IN THE RANGE OF 82 METRES MINIMUM TO 87 METRES MAXIMUM (C) ROTOR DIAMETER IN THE RANGE OF 121 METRES MINIMUM TO 126 METRES MAXIMUM (2) UPGRADING OF EXISTING SITE ACCESS TRACKS AND ROADS AND PROVISION OF NEW SITE ACCESS TRACK AND ROADS (3) WIDENING OF 3 NO. EXISTING SITE ENTRANCES AND PROVISION OF A NEW SITE ENTRANCE (4) WIDENING OF 4 NO. BENDS AND 1 NO. JUNCTION ALONG THE PUBLIC ROAD L2563 (5) CONSTRUCTION OF (A) A CONTROL BUILDING / SUBSTATION WITH A FENCED COMPOUND PREVIOUSLY PERMITTED UNDER PLANNING REFERENCE 14/50553 AND EXTENDED UNDER PLANNING APPLICATION REFERENCE 19/51227 (B) A NEW TEMPORARY SITE COMPOUND FOR USE DURING CONSTRUCTION (6) SITE DRAINAGE NETWORK (7) INSTALLATION OF INTERNAL WIND FARM UNDERGROUND POWER AND COMMUNICATIONS CABLING (7) ALL ASSOCIATED SITE DEVELOPMENT AND ANCILLARY WORKS. A ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ACCESSMENT REPORT (EIAR) AND NATURA IMPACT STATEMENT ACCOMPANY THIS APPLICATION
Core Refusal Reason
The proposal materially contravenes Policy E-P-12 of the County Development Plan as turbines 2 and 3 are in a 'not normally permissible' area, and it would cause permanent loss of priority habitats (active blanket bog and wet heath) within the West of Ardara / Maas Road SAC, adversely affecting the site's integrity.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed development materially contravenes Policy E-P-12 of the County Donegal Development Plan 2018-2024 (as varied) because turbines 2 and 3, along with their associated infrastructure, are located in an area designated as 'not normally permissible' for wind energy.
- The project would result in the permanent loss of approximately 0.15 hectares of active blanket bog and wet heath habitats within the West of Ardara / Maas Road Special Area of Conservation (SAC), which directly conflicts with the conservation objectives to restore these habitats.
- As it has been ascertained that the development would adversely affect the integrity of a European site, the Board is legally precluded from granting permission under the requirements of the Habitats Directive and associated national regulations.