Planning permission has been refused for a 127ha solar farm to be developed in Co. Carlow.
Terra Solar II Ltd, a Dublin-based solar developer, applied for a 10-year planning permission for a solar farm to be developed in the Ballon and Rathoe area of the county.
According to the council documents, the proposed development would be contrary to “proper planning and sustainable development of the area”.
Development contrary to ‘protection of habitats’
The proposed development site adjoins the River Burren, which is a tributary watercourse of the River Barrow which forms part of the River Barrow and River Nore Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
According to the development plan, it is inherent to “support the protection of habitats and species covered by the EU Habitats Directive”.
The council determined that based on the information that was submitted by the company, it is not satisfied that the applicant has “fully demonstrated that the proposed development would not give rise to ecological impacts and would not significantly affect the River Barrow and River Nore SAC and its conservation efforts”.
The proposed development
Permission was sought for the solar farm, which would connect to the national grid, with an operational lifespan of 35 years.
The development would consist of: solar panels on ground-mounted frames; single-storey electrical inverter/transformer stations and associated equipment container; CCTV; temporary construction compounds; landscaping and all associated ancillary development works.
The company has lodged a planning appeal with An Bord Pleanála.