Plans for a major solar farm in Magheralin have been given the go-ahead despite objections from local residents and an MP.
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart added her name to the objectors opposing the installation and operation of a 29.9MW solar farm just off the Newforge Road.
The proposal, if passed, she wrote, “will result in a significant loss of agricultural land which will impact on the character of this area”.
She added: “There will be a loss of wildlife and nature which will disrupt this area of countryside. On another practical level, it is unclear how farmers will have access to the field.
“The proposed plans will have a major impact on the visuals of the area and create glare in the sunlight and to date the mitigation measures suggested have been totally unsatisfactory.
“The land in this area has been subject to flooding and water pooling and as such there are concerns on the impact this will have if electrical equipment is placed on the land.
“The overall result of such a site will decrease the value of homes in this area which will have a real
impact on residents for generations.”
However, MLA David Honeyford, writing in support of the solar farm, said: “This proposal aligns with Northern Ireland’s Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, which mandates achieving at least 80% electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2030.
“The Magheralin Solar Farm, if passed, would contribute to this target by generating clean, green electricity sufficient to power approximately 13,600 homes each year.
“The project has been designed to maintain agricultural use through sheep grazing, promoting biodiversity and supporting rural economies. Additionally, the landscape and planting plan includes the enhancement of existing and new native woodland and hedgerow planting, which will serve as wildlife corridors.”
In total, there were five individual objectors.
However, ABC Council planners passed the application on Wednesday, which was welcomed by the renewable energy company, RES.
Rachel Buchanan, Senior Development Project Manager for RES said: “Our Magheralin proposal is a well-designed project which will effectively combine clean, low-cost electricity generation with continued agricultural use and biodiversity enhancement. We’re pleased the Council’s planning committee voted to approve the application, in line with the case officer’s recommendation.”
Located approximately 1km southwest of Magheralin, the solar farm will be capable of meeting the demands of approximately 13,600 homes every year, in turn offsetting 16,200 tonnes of carbon emissions annually, compared to the equivalent fossil fuel generation.
The site lies outside of any statutory environmental and landscape designations and was chosen for its good solar irradiation levels and proximity to a viable grid connection.
The comprehensive Landscape Planting Plan that accompanies the planning application sets out measures which include enhancement of existing planting as well as new tree and hedgerow planting. As well as reducing potential visibility of the solar farm, these measures can increase biodiversity by providing wildlife corridors and vital resources for mammals, birds, and insect species.
Ms Buchanan continued: “We have ensured the land to be used by the solar farm can continue to be used for agricultural purposes, in the form of sheep farming. Sheep farming supports rural economies and enables a rich diversity of wildlife, while producing food. Furthermore, where a solar farm is installed on land which has been intensively farmed, it enables the ground underneath to recover, helping to ensure the continued availability of quality agricultural acreage for future generations.”
Opportunities are expected for local contractors and employees to get involved in the construction phase, which is expected to take around 40 weeks.
