Initial plans for the project, which will be determined by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, were presented at a public exhibition held in March 2023 to enable people to find out more about the proposal and provide RES with their views. All feedback received during the consultation has been considered by the project team alongside information gathered from a number of detailed technical and environmental surveys in order to inform the final design.
As a result of the detailed design process, a number of changes have been made to the design to ensure the solar farm fits sensitively into the existing landscape, whilst maximising the low carbon, low cost electricity generation. Changes made include the removal of two parcels of land and re-siting of the substation to reduce potential visibility, resulting in a reduction in the size of the project by more than 45 acres.
“Solar is a free and inexhaustible resource which has an important role to play as part of a balanced energy mix” said Rachel Buchanan, Development Project Manager at RES. “Large scale solar, alongside other renewable technologies, is now the cheapest form of new electricity generation making solar development not only beneficial for the environment but also for bill payers. We hope that Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council will agree that Magheralin Solar Farm is in an optimum position to help tackle climate change and make a positive contribution to Northern Ireland’s target to meet at least 80% of electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2030.”
The site has been chosen as it has good solar irradiation levels, lies outside of any statutory environmental and landscape designations and due to its proximity to a viable grid connection.
A comprehensive Landscape Planting Plan accompanies the planning application setting out measures to 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.
If consented, Magheralin Solar Farm would be capable of producing sufficient clean, low-cost electricity for approximately 13,600 homes every year. The solar farm could also deliver direct benefit to the area - generating jobs during construction and decommissioning. Inward investment can be significant as a range of services will be required including haulage, on-site welfare facilities, refuse and recycling facilities, transport and local accommodation for construction workers. In addition, the solar farm would deliver business rates annually for the life of the project, helping to fund vital local services for all local residents.
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