Couple challenge planning for windfarm close to Cork home

A couple have brought a High Court challenge over An Bord Pleanála's decision to grant planning permission for a windfarm development close to their home.

The challenge by Klaus Balz and Hanna Heubach, of Bear na Gaoithe, Inchigeelagh, Co Cork, concerns permission for development of a windfarm of up to 11 turbines at Cleanrath, Inchigeelagh by Cleanrath Windfarm Ltd.

The couple claim the Board’s decision is flawed for reasons including alleged failure to properly take into account the increased noise that will be generated by the turbines.

They want orders quashing the decision and declarations including the Board failed to carry out a proper Environmental Impact Assessment before giving the development the go ahead.

They claim the Board failed to comply with the rules of natural justice and the decision is unreasonable.

Cork County Council and Cleanrath Windfarm Ltd are notice parties to the proceedings.

On Monday, David Holland SC, for the couple, said the noise impact of the proposed windfarm in a “particularly quiet” area was not properly taken into account.

His clients maintain the proposed windfarm will result in a quadrupling of perceived loudness in the area, he said.

After Cork County Council granted permission, with 40 conditions, for the development in 2016, the developer appealed to An Bord Pleanála.

Mr Justice Seamus Noonan granted the ex parte application for leave to bring the proceedings and returned the matter to October.