SOLAR FARM IS FACING APPEAL
Rathnew residents concerned over potential glare of panels
RESIDENTS are expected to appeal against the granting of planning permission for a 27 hectare solar farm at Milltown North and Cronroe in Rathnew. The development would consist of solar photovoltaic panels covering an area up to 182,120 sqm on ground mounted steel frames, an on-site substation and six inverter and transformer stations.
Cllr John Snell said that an appeal to An Bord Pleanála is likely due to the scale of the development. He said: ‘I know some people are worried about the visual impact of the development, especially the glare impact when light shines off the solar panels.’
WICKLOW County Council has given permission for a 27 hectares solar farm in Rathnew.
However, a number of local residents intend to lodge an appeal with An Bord Pleanála.
The solar farm at Milltown North and Cronroe would consist of solar photovoltaic panels covering an area up to 182,120 sqm on ground mounted steel frames.
It would also feature an on site substation, six inverter and transformer stations, underground cables and ducts, boundary security fence, new internal tracks, CCTV cameras and all associated site services and works.
The wind farm will be allowed operate for ten years. The applicant is BNRGN Millvale Ltd
Wicklow County Council have placed a number of conditions on the permission, including the carrying out of a glint and glare survey at intervals of six months for the firs two years the solar farm is in operation.
Cllr John Snell, a Rathnew resident, expects an appeal to be lodged with An Bord Pleanála objecting to the development.
‘There are some concerns out there and there will be an appeal. I know some people are worried about the visual impact of the development, especially the glare impact when light shines off the solar panels. What impact might that have on local households? There are also concerns over the impact on traffic movements on the back road from Ashford to Glenealy,’ said Cllr Snell.
Permission has also been granted for a new filling station development at Tighes Avenue, Rosanna Avenue, Rathnew.
The development includes the construction of a new single storey filling station building to include retail sales area, a coffee bar/deli and associated ancillary areas (134 sqm) to include toilets, lobby/circulation, associated rooms and storage.
Cllr Snell feels Rathnew’s close proximity to the N11 makes it an attractive location for development.
‘There are plenty of plans for development in the area. There are plenty of green field sites in Rathnew and it’s right beside the N11. The same in Newtownmountkennedy, which is another place with a lot of developments and applications.’