Public inquiry postponed due to overwhelming objections from residents and environmental campaigners concerned about the industrialization of the picturesque Mourne Mountains.
A public inquiry into a proposed wind farm in the Mourne Mountains has been significantly delayed due to strong public opposition. ABO Wind NI Ltd, based in Lisburn, plans to construct eight turbines and an electrical substation in Hilltown, County Down. The inquiry, originally scheduled for March, has been postponed to September, according to a letter from the Planning Appeals Commission to the Department for Infrastructure.
The commission cited 'significant resourcing pressures' as the reason for the delay. Local politicians and residents have expressed concerns about the project, which they dub the 'forest of steel,' arguing that it would industrialize the picturesque landscape of the Mourne Mountains, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Over 4,000 objections have been lodged on the Northern Ireland Planning Portal against the wind farm. A collective objection signed by hundreds of residents and environmental campaigners states that the project would create a 'forest of steel' in the Mournes and 'industrialize the stunning and spectacular scenery' of the area. ABO Wind NI Ltd, when contacted by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, highlighted the excellent wind resource in Northern Ireland but emphasized the need for continued investment in the grid to ensure the smooth integration of renewable energy. They have until June to present their case to the Planning Appeals Commission. A council officer stated that the council had previously recommended that Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon put the project forward for public consultation, which is now underway. The council, however, has not taken a formal position on whether to support or reject the application.
WIND FARM OPPOSITION MOUNTAINS PLANNING INQUIRY RENEWABLE ENERGY
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Mournes Wind Farm Inquiry Postponed Amidst Widespread OppositionA public inquiry into a proposed wind farm in the Mournes, County Down, has been significantly delayed due to 'significant resourcing pressures'. The inquiry, originally scheduled for March, has been pushed back to September. The project, planned by ABO Wind NI Ltd, has faced strong opposition from residents and environmental groups who have raised concerns about its impact on the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Read more »
Wind Farm Tragedy: Mum 'Robbed' of Son's FutureA young labourer died in a tragic accident at a wind farm in Scotland, leaving his family devastated. The company responsible was fined for failing to provide a safe working environment.
Read more »
UK Plans Onshore Wind Farm Boom to Reach Clean Energy GoalsThe UK government is proposing ten new onshore wind projects to meet its target of 95% clean energy by 2030. These projects aim to double UK's onshore wind capacity to 30 gigawatts, enough to power 26 million homes. The initiative is expected to drive down energy bills and reduce reliance on gas imports.
Read more »
Cornish Fishermen Fear Impact of Offshore Wind Farm ExpansionFishermen in Cornwall express concerns about the potential impact of large-scale offshore wind farm development on their livelihoods.
Read more »
Rejected Three Times, Scottish Wind Farm Project Gets Approval on AppealA wind farm project in southern Scotland, which had faced repeated rejections from local authorities, has finally been approved following an appeal to the Scottish government.
Read more »
Drop-in sessions in Norfolk about wind farm cable routeA developer will answer questions about the impact of underground cables at a series of events.
Read more »