Wind turbine refused

Wind turbine refused

21 December 2016

PLANNERS are opposed to plans for a huge wind turbine in Derryboye.

Planning officials are recommending refusal for the 250 kilowatt turbine at Lisinaw Road and their decision will be debated by members of Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s Planning Committee today in Newry. If constructed, the turbine would stand 62 metre tall at its highest point.

Over the past number of weeks, planners have refused permission for a number of large turbines across the district, including 250kw turbines at the Myra Road and Loughmoney Road outside Downpatrick.

In addition, plans for a turbine that would have stood almost 60 metres tall at the Slievegrane Road on the outskirts of Downpatrick was also vetoed.

Ahead of today’s meeting in Newry, planners say the Derryboye proposal is contrary to planning policy and that if permitted would have an an “unacceptable, adverse impact” on the visual amenity and landscape character of the area through its scale, siting and size.

In addition, planners say the proposed turbine would impact on neighbouring residents at the Clay Road as a result of shadow flicker associated with turning blades on a turbine.

Councillors will be told today that 21 objections have been lodged in opposition to the planning application and 

while the proposed site is not located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, planners are concerned the large turbine would dominate the skyline and is “likely to be intrusive and have an adverse impact on the character of the area.”