Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)·Page 278·12.27
Active Peatland Protection for Renewable Energy Development
Development on active peatland poses risks to hydrology and land stability due to drainage impacts; active peatland is defined as areas supporting vegetation that normally forms peat under the Habitats Directive.
Active peatland has particular significance as a carbon and floodwater store, along with its biodiversity value. The drainage of active peatland during the construction of renewable energy development has the potential to severely impact on the hydrology of the area. In addition, development in peatland increases the risk of land instability. 'Active peatland' is defined within the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) as 'still supporting a significant area of vegetation that is normally peat forming'.
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