Planning Application
Electronic copies of the planning application and accompanying documents can be viewed or downloaded by clicking on the links below.
A hard copy of the application can be viewed at Carnlough Library, 32 Harbour Road, Carnlough, Ballymena BT44 0EU. Please see their website for opening hours.
Volume 1
Volume 3 - Figures
- Introduction
- Design Evolution and Alternatives
- Landscape and Visual Impact
- Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
- Ecology
- Ornithology
- Fisheries
- Geology and Water Environment
- Noise
- Traffic and Transport
Volume 4 - Technical Appendices
- Introduction
- Planning Policy
- Landscape and Visual Impact
- Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
- Ecology
- Ornithology
- Surface Water Management Plan
- Surface Water Management Plan Annex A
- Surface Water Management Plan Annex B
- Surface Water Management Plan Annex C
- Flood Risk and Drainage Assessment
- Flood Risk and Drainage Assessment Appendix A
- Flood Risk and Drainage Assessment Appendix B
- Flood Risk and Drainage Assessment Appendix C
- Flood Risk and Drainage Assessment Appendix D
- Flood Risk and Drainage Assessment Appendix E
- Flood Risk and Drainage Assessment Appendix F
- Flood Risk and Drainage Assessment Appendix G
- Flood Risk and Drainage Assessment Appendix H
- Peat Slide Risk Assessment
- Mine Risk Assessment
- Consultation Records
- Noise
- Traffic and Transport
ES Addendum - Battery Energy Storage System
Reasons to support the Unshinagh Wind Farm proposal
Delivering local jobs and investment
The renewables industry continued to deliver investment and jobs during the previous downturn and during the current economic crisis, with the ever-growing threat of climate change and the catastrophic impacts that it could have, it is more important than ever that we invest in a green economic recovery. Unshinagh Wind Farm is predicted to deliver approximately £24.7 million into Northern Ireland’s economy, if consented.
Cheapest form of renewable energy
Renewable energy is vital towards our transition to net zero and wind, being a free and inexhaustible resource has an important role to play as part of a balanced energy mix. Research from BEIS1 clearly shows that onshore wind, alongside large scale solar, are the cheapest electricity generating technologies available. This makes onshore wind development, like Unshinagh, good for the environment and the consumer.
Helping to tackle climate change
Northern Ireland’s Climate Bill sets a target of 80% of electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2030, and it is expected that 65% of this will need to come from onshore wind. If consented, Unshinagh Wind Farm would be capable of generating 58.8MW of clean, low cost electricity, equivalent to the electricity usage of around 70,000 homes each year.
Strengthening security of supply
A key policy driver for the development of renewable energy in Northern Ireland is the need to increase security of supply. There are also potential adverse impacts on local populations and the economy through high volatile fuel costs, contributing to fuel poverty and high energy costs for businesses and industry. In addition, increasing focus on renewable energy can deliver environmental and climate change gains, reductions in carbon emissions, as well as investment and employment opportunities. With a lack of indigenous fossil fuels and no nuclear power stations, Northern Ireland is keen to develop the full range of its available renewable energy resources to optimise the contribution that renewables make to the overall energy mix.
Built by a known and reputable developer
RES has been building wind farms in Ireland since the early 1990s with an office in Larne, employing over 20 local people. They have been involved in developing and or constructing 22 onshore wind farms in Northern Ireland, totalling 379MW. In addition, RES operates 159MW of wind capacity across Northern Ireland, has secured planning permission for a further 108MW awaiting construction, and has a further 81MW of projects in the planning system.
RES also have a strong track record within Northern Ireland of consulting and working closely with the local community, key stakeholders, and the local supply chain to deliver projects which maximise much-needed inward investment. At sites recently constructed near Limavady, some 16 NI based contractors and suppliers were used during the construction phase.
If, having read the above, you would like to support the Unshinagh Wind Farm proposal, you can do so by submitting a comment on the PublicAccess website. The planning reference is LA02/2021/1205/F.