Wind farm application in County Antrim recommended for refusal

Northern Ireland has a legally-binding target of generating 80% of electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2030

A planning application for a "regionally significant" wind farm should be refused, the Department for Infrastructure has said.

The notice of opinion to refuse was issued on Tuesday.

Renewable energy firm RES wanted 14 turbines on Unshinagh mountain, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Antrim Coast and Glens.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council previously expressed concern about the impact on tourism.

Northern Ireland has a legally-binding target of generating 80% of electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2030.

A statement said "due cognisance" had been given to "the contribution that renewable energy can make to both the economy and tackling climate change".

But it added that the "economic and environmental benefits" had been outweighed by "the significant harm that would be caused to the landscape" and the "ecological impacts" on protected species".

RES had said the wind farm would be capable of generating enough power to supply 70,000 homes, as well as creating £24.7m in jobs and investment.

Jennifer McCorry, the firm's senior development project manager, said it was extremely disappointed by the decision.

She said that for Northern Ireland the project would help Northern Ireland to meet renewable energy targets and create up to £5m worth of wages in the 12-month construction period.

Planning system reform

The decision on the notice of opinion to refuse was taken by the department's permanent secretary under powers laid out in the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Act 2022.

It is legislation that allows officials to make certain decisions in the absence of ministers.

The decision may be appealed up to six weeks after being made.

It came as the NI Chamber of Commerce published proposals for the reform of the planning system.

Its ideas include legal and regulatory changes alongside improving existing processes.

It suggests that statutory consultees, which includes public bodies like NI Water, should face strict deadlines, after which it could be assumed they consent to a planning application.

Suzanne Wylie, chief executive of NI Chamber, said: "A well-performing planning function is key to instilling confidence in the market for potential investors and to enable the development of the required infrastructure, when it comes to connectivity, services, energy and reducing our carbon emissions."