Project Evolution
How this project has evolved over time
At the initial stages of consideration, designers drafted a project outline that would maximise the wind energy potential of the site. Placing local appropriateness as a fundamental consideration, further optimisation of this design was carried out. Following feedback received during initial community engagement, distance to houses, number of turbines, shadow flicker and noise were also considered. It was found that it was possible to increase the distances to houses, reduce turbine numbers further and improve the general performance levels of the proposed wind farm by increasing the tip height by 35m.
The design changes are set out in the following table:
Ballinla Project Evolution |
||
| Concept Design | Current Design Proposal | |
| Distance to Houses | 500m | Minimum 740m |
| Number of Turbines | 12 | 10 |
| Shadow Flicker | In line with guidelines | Eliminated - no shadow flicker |
| Turbine Height | 120m | 185m |
| Potential Capacity | c. 42MW | c. 55MW |
Design Stages
This proposal is still at the design stage and as such details of the proposal may change. Our community engagement team will be working in the area to ensure that information is available and that you have an opportunity to discuss the various aspects of this proposal.
Overview of the Design Stages |
||
| Design Stage | % Design | Description |
| Initial Scoping | 0 - 40% | Based on high-level information |
| Preliminary Layout | 40 - 80% | Fluid and frequently open to change |
| Design Layout | 80 - 100% | Sufficiently fixed to allow meaningful discussion |
| Planning Layout | 100% | Fixed for presentation to the appropriate planning authority |
We would be very interested in hearing what ideas you have on how this wind farm could deliver the most benefit to you and your local area.