An application to erect a wind turbine in Laois has been rejected by An Bord Pleanala.
This was an appeal by Andy Dunne of 7 Kellyville Park, Portlaoise, Laois against the decision by Laois County Council to refuse permission on July 28, 2016.
He had proposed to construct a 500kW wind turbine with a hub height of 65 metres and an overall height of 93.5 metres.
The planning permission would also have covered an electrical switch room, control facility, an access track, and associated infrastructure such as crane hard standing area, underground cabling and all ancillary site work to take place at Knocklead, an area between Timahoe, The Swan and Wolfhill.
However, An Bord Pleanala decided to reject his appeal on two grounds – the precedent it would set and it its proximity to a property.
In handing down their decision, the body said: “It is considered that the proposed development would constitute a piecemeal and ad hoc approach to the development of lands that are designated as being Open for Consideration for the development of wind energy, as set out in the Wind Strategy in Appendix 5 of the Laois County Development Plan 2011-2017.
“In the absence of a demonstrated need for the turbine at this location, the Board is not satisfied that the proposed development, by itself and by the undesirable precedent that it would set, would not prejudice a coordinated approach to the development of wind energy in this area.
“Having regard to the proximity of the nearest dwelling in the north, neither is the Board satisfied that that the effect on the amenity of this residential property from noise or shadow flicker have been satisfactorily addressed.
“The proposed development would, therefore, seriously injure the residential amenities of the area and be contrary to to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”
READ ALSO – Councillors vote to zone Laois a wind turbine-free county
