A “noisy neighbour” windfarm which was served with an Asbo-style warning earlier this year has been silenced.
Operators of the triple-turbine development near Mintlaw were ordered to take action to address a thumping “whoomph” or face prosecution.
The move followed complaints from nearby residents who claimed the sound was driving them to distraction.
Yesterday, Stuartfield Wind Power, which runs the green energy scheme at West Knock, took Aberdeenshire Council to court in an effort to overturn the noise nuisance notice.
During the civil hearing at Peterhead Sheriff Court, solicitor Jennifer McKearney, representing the local authority, said developers had now taken mitigatory measures which they hoped would end any further noise trouble.
She said the turbines’ volume would be closely monitored over the next four weeks. If the council is satisfied a solution has been found, the notice is likely to be lifted.
A decision will be made after a follow-up court hearing next month.
If the firm cannot comply with the terms of the notice it can be fined up to £5,000 – plus an extra £500 penalty for every day the offence continues.
It is believed to be one of the first times such a notice has been served on the owners of a windfarm in Scotland.
Last year, it emerged that the West Knock farm – run by former councillor Albert Howie – was one of 10 wind turbine developments being investigated by environmental body Climate-Xchange as part of a nationwide study for the Scottish Government.
Residents living close to each windfarm have been asked for their views, specifically about how the turbines have changed their lives.
The findings are due to be published in the autumn and will be used to inform the Scottish Government and local authorities about future planning applications in an effort to minimise any negative effects on residents.
The West Knock windfarm was approved by members of the local authority’s Buchan area committee in February 2010.
The scheme, which developers claim will generate enough electricity to power up to 4,000 homes, attracted four objections from nearby residents.
No one from Stuartfield Wind Power could be reached for comment yesterday. The firm was not represented at yesterday morning’s hearing.
Previously, Mr Howie’s son, John, who runs Stuartfield Wind Power, said: “We have carried out our own noise surveys and taken microphones to all neighbouring properties.
“Everything has been done above board.
“You can occasionally hear the whooshing of the blades, but it’s very seldom this happens and it’s not very noisy.”