34E.—(1) Subject to subsection (3), where an application for permission for renewable energy development with an electrical capacity of 150kW or more is made to a planning authority, and the period for making a decision under section 34(8) would expire after the expiry of the period of 52 weeks from the date of the notice referred to in section 34D(a), the planning authority shall make its decision on the application before the expiry of that period of 52 weeks.

(2) Subject to subsection (3), the period for making a decision in relation to an application referred to in subsection (1) shall not be extended under section 34(9) by more than 52 weeks from the date of the notice referred to in section 34D(a).

(3) Where the planning authority considers that permission should nevertheless be given for the development for imperative reasons of overriding public interest in accordance with section 177AA, the planning authority shall make its decision on the application before the expiry of 2 years from the date of the notice referred to in section 34D(a). ]