Meall Buidhe Wind Farm rejected: North councillors vote 9:2 against development on Croick Estate
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North councillors have this afternoon overwhelmingly rejected a planning application for the controversial Meall Buidhe Wind Farm.
Members of the North Planning Application Committee voted 9:2 against the eight-turbine development, which had been earmarked to go on a site on Croick Estate, four km south west of Rosehall and 12km west of Ardgay.
Consent was sought to erect seven turbines measuring 149.9 metres in height and one of 144.5 metres.
Planners had recommended that the wind farm be approved, acknowledging that it would have a significant visual impact, but stating that on balance the benefits outweighed the disadvantages.
But councillors spoke of the massive local opposition to Meall Buidhe and their concern over its visual impact and the effect it would have on the landscape, environment, peatland and tourism.
There was also concern over the cumulative effect with other wind farms in existence and planned for the area.
A motion that the development be granted was proposed by committee chairman Drew Miller, Skye, and seconded by Cllr Karl Rosie, Thurso and north west Caithness.
But an amendment to reject the application by Cllr Hugh Morrison, north, west and central Sutherland, seconded by Cllr Margaret Paterson, Dingwall and Seaforth, won the day.
It is expected that developer Meall Buidhe Renewables LLP will appeal the decision.
