DfI Minister Nichola Mallon has refused planning permission for Doraville Wind Farm which would have seen 33 turbines erected in the Sperrins Mountains. Community Places assisted Broughderg Area Development Association (BADA) object to this wind farm in the Sperrins Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Association first approached us in 2015 for advice on objecting to the planning application and we provided advice and support throughout this long-running and complex case which culminated in a Public Inquiry held in September 2019 by the PAC (Planning Appeals Commission).
In reaching her decision the Minister said:
“The PAC report indicates that the scale of the proposal and the sheer magnitude of the associated change has the potential to detract from local people’s sense of place and connection to the land. My aim is to improve people’s lives, not add to their burden so taking all of this into account, and in line with the PAC recommendation, I have decided to refuse this application.”