Planning permission has been lodged to install four small vertical axis wind turbines on the flat roof of Lurgan Hospital. The application was submitted on 12 June by Gregory Architects, Belfast, acting on behalf of the Southern Health Trust and is currently at the consultation stage.
What is proposed
The turbines would be compact, with a hub height of 1.2 metres and an overall height of 2.4 metres. The application includes a technical report addressing whether a shadow flicker assessment is required for the scheme.
“Shadow flicker assessments consider the traditional horizontal turbines. The vertical turbines being proposed here aren’t typically assessed for shadow flicker. From the spec sheet, I understand the proposed turbines being self-contained. As such, shadow flicker is not predicted to occur.”
The technical analyst concluded that the vertical design and the fact the units are self-contained mean shadow flicker is not expected, a factor that influenced the decision not to carry out a formal shadow flicker assessment.
Consultation and next steps
The planning submission is undergoing statutory consultation. The Historic Environment Division and the area environmental health department (ABC Environmental Health) have been notified and responses are awaited as part of the normal planning process.
- Application lodged: 12 June (by Gregory Architects)
- Proposed turbines: four vertical axis units
- Dimensions: hub height 1.2m; overall height 2.4m
- Consultation: Historic Environment Division and ABC Environmental Health among consultees
At this stage no planning decision has been made. If consultees raise concerns or request further information, the Trust or its agents may be asked to provide additional technical detail before the application can be determined.
Local context and implications
The proposal sits within a broader context of public bodies exploring small-scale renewable technologies to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. While these particular turbines are modest in size and primarily intended to supplement site energy supply, planning officers will need to balance operational benefits against any potential impact on nearby residents, heritage assets or site safety.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of turbines | 4 |
| Hub height | 1.2 m |
| Overall height | 2.4 m |
| Applicant | Gregory Architects (on behalf of Southern Health Trust) |
Residents with an interest in the application can review the consultation notices on the relevant planning portal once the local authority publishes the paperwork. Any formal objections or observations should be lodged within the timescales set by the planning authority to ensure they are considered before a decision is reached.
The proposal represents a modest step towards on-site renewable generation at a local health facility, but its progress will depend on the outcome of the current consultation and any conditions required by planning officers.
