Highland councillors yesterday visited the proposed site of a controversial Sutherland windfarm which has received more than 30 objections.
The application is due to be decided in Inverness today at a meeting of the north planning applications committee.
Edinburgh-based renewable energy developer, Wind Prospect Developments Ltd, wants to erect 13 turbines to the west of Craggiemore on Tressady Estate north-west of Rogart, on behalf of French energy giant EDF.
Councillors on the planning committee went to various viewpoints to see for themselves the area targeted by the developers. They also noted the existing windfarm next door to the site at Kilbraur.
The proposed devices, which will be 377ft high with a 295ft rotary span, would have an overall energy capacity of 32.5MW, enough to power up to 17% of homes in the Highlands.
Among those criticising the proposal are local residents’ action group No More Windfarms, which convened in the summer of 2013 in response to growing concerns about the proliferation of turbines in the Strath Brora area.
A letter of objection to the Tressady plans was submitted on behalf of the action group on December 31, 2013, which stated: “The overall conclusion is that the proposal is not in accordance with the development plans (Highland-wide policy) and that, therefore, the presumption, in law, is for the refusal of planning permission.”
In total, Highland Council have received 31 letters of objection to the plans relating to concerns over the spread of windfarms in the region, their visual impact, noise pollution, and negative effects on tourism and wildlife.
There were four letters of support for the application.
A local resident, who wished not to be named, and who rents land on part of the estate on which the proposed turbines would stand, said: “The windfarm would bring in money at a time when agricultural incomes are particularly reduced and help sustain the local crofting way of life.
“Some of the people who have objected to the plans are not even living in the area and they might just be against windfarms in general.”
Rogart Community Council did not object but raised concerns about the disproportionate share of windfarms in the area, and the suitability of the site because of the peat resource which will release carbon dioxide if disturbed.