Two proposed windfarm developments will go before a planning committee next week – with planners recommending both for approval.
Members of the council’s south planning committee will visit the site of the Millenium Windfarm near Invergarry and the Beinn Mhor project at Tomich, both Inverness-shire, on Monday before debating the applications at council chambers on Tuesday.
Millenium developers Falck Renewables want to add a further 10 turbines to the existing 26 near Glenmoriston.
The Beinn Mhor windfarm, at Guisachen includes six 392ft turbines and has been lodged by Edinburgh-based wpd Scotland.
Councillors were due to deliberate on the plans in January but bad weather caused the site visits to be postponed.
The Millennium extension was initially brought to the committee in December but was deferred after members voted in favour of visiting the site.
Highland Council’s head of planning and building standards, Ken McCorquodale, recommended that members did not object to the proposals.
Falck says the existing windfarm generates 65MW of power – enough to supply about 36,000 homes.
The extension would add another 35MW, providing power for about another 19,000 homes.
Fort Augustus Community Council and the Mountaineering Council for Scotland (MCoS) have both objected to the extension. A final decision on the plan will be made by the Scottish Government.
The Beinn Mhor windfarm, at Guisachen includes six turbines and has attracted more than 1,200 objections were lodged against the plans because of its potential impact on Glen Affric and the conservation village of Tomich.
Three separate community councils – Strathglass, Glenurquhart and Kilmormack – have all objected to the plans.
Council planners have said the plan should be approved.