AQW 50303/11-16

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 03/11/2015
Answered On Date: 10/11/2015
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the Minister of the Environment to detail why he called in and subsequently approved planning application C/2011/0459/F by Cam Burn Wind Farm Ltd.

Answer:

I was contacted by the applicant who outlined the recent history of the case since it had transferred to the council for processing prior to 1 April 2015. My reasons for calling in the planning application were due to the planning history of this application and the particular difficulties arising from the current DETI proposals concerning the qualifying date for the NI Renewables Obligation Scheme, which was 30 October 2015. I also noted the potential economic and environmental contribution from this project.

In reaching my decision I took account of the report and recommendation of my officials. I was also aware of the strong level of public representation in both objection to, and support of, the application. The key issues I considered in the determination of the application were the potential visual impact on the wider landscape of the area and the potential impact on nearby residents. Overall I considered that these impacts would not be unacceptably adverse and that the proposal met the requirements of planning policy.