16MW HVO generator facility at Lands adjacent to and west of no.1 (Crossbows Optical) and 80m east of no.3 (Plaswire) Halfpenny Valley Industrial

What was proposed

The application proposed a 16MW HVO electricity generator facility, eight generators, fuel tanks, buildings, fencing, planting and a new access.

“The application seeks Full planning permission for a proposed grid support hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) electricity generator facility (16MW) along with construction of new vehicular access and associated development…”

“(1) The erection of a building to house a total of 8no. generators, welfare facilities and control room. The building is 850sqm and 8.1m high finished in light grey insulated wall panels, with dark grey doors, shutters and lourves. Each of the eight generator will have exhausts located on the roof of the proposed building (2) 2no. steel bunded HVO tanks,(20,000 litres each) (3) An NIE switch room and control room building.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The approximately one-hectare site was within an industrial estate on land zoned for industry, with the nearest dwelling about 78 metres away.

“The site is located at an existing business unit within Halfpenny Valley Industrial Estate containing a large shed and yard area used for the parking of vehicles and storage of materials. The application site currently used as an over flow are for the external storage of materials. The site is relatively flat and even throughout. The western side of the application…”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Earlier permissions covered recycling premises, an extension to recycling premises, a general industrial factory and a manufacturing building.

“Erection of extension to existing recycling premises, extension to concrete yard, provision of area for external storage, provision of car and HGV parking, and associated site works. Retention of existing detached offices…”

“Permission granted on 21/01/2025 Application No: LA08/2023/1841/F Erection of general industrial factory (with solar panels on roof) and associated plastics recycling hall, with associated silos, transformers, compressor and NIE high voltage intake and consumer high voltage switch unit and associated site works…”

Officer report

What consultees said

Consultees raised no objections overall, with some responses supporting conditions; environmental services found no conceivable effect on a European site.

“Shared Environmental Services - (21.11.2024) – informal response Having considered the project, it is concluded that it is eliminated from the need for Habitats Regulations Assessment because it could not have any conceivable effect on a European site…”

Officer report

Public representations

No third-party representations were received about the application.

“No third-party representations have been received regarding this planning application.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent made a verbal submission supporting the application and described its energy, environmental, employment, operational and investment benefits.

Members’ discussion

A councillor welcomed the application, saying backup energy supply was useful, particularly when storms were approaching.

“QUESTIONED: by the Chair if any Member required any further clarification. As no further clarification was required, the meeting moved to Members’ debate and decision.”

“COMMENTED: by Councillor Duffy that this application was welcomed as any back up energy supply was useful especially if storms were on the way.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillor Duffy’s proposal, seconded by Councillor Donnelly, was agreed, and no counter proposals were made.

“AGREED: on the proposal of Councillor Duffy, seconded by Councillor Donnelly, that Application No: LA08/2024/1237/F by Lagan Energy (Lurgan) Limited be approved, subject to conditions.”

“NOTED: that there were no counter proposals made.”

Minutes