Controversial wind turbines planned for the Moray countryside could be increased in height, it was revealed last night.
Planning consent was granted in December 2011 for 59 turbines at Dorenell, near Cabrach, on the Glenfiddich Estate.
Hundreds of people objected to the scheme, which is being led by Infinergy.
And now the company is putting forward fresh proposals to increase the development’s capacity, which may see the height of the turbines increase from 125ft to 150ft.
Plans to increase the number of turbines are still subject to the outcome of the redesign process, the Dutch company stated.
Esbjorn Wilmar, Infinergy’s managing director, said: “This redesign provides an opportunity to increase the renewable power generated on the site.
“Technology has moved on considerably since the original application was submitted.
“There are now turbines on the market which will make much better use of the outstanding wind speeds without compromising the area’s natural beauty and ecology.
“Having worked closely with the community during the original proposal, we have built strong relationships and found there is a great deal of awareness and understanding of both our company and windfarm development in general, which is extremely helpful.”
The original application led to a public inquiry, held at Dufftown, which prompted 1,261 representations from the public – 646 of which were objections.
Afterwards, a Scottish Government reporter concluded the scheme would make a significant contribution to renewable energy targets and gave it the go-ahead.
Distillery firm William Grant & Sons then challenged that decision, but lost its legal battle at the Court of Session in Edinburgh in June last year.
Robert McHugh, who chaired the Stop Dorenell Windfarm Campaign group, described the fresh plans as a “joke”.
He said: “Energy companies bribe local communities to let them build by setting up benefit funds and people are falling for it.
“Yet these turbines ruin the landscape and damage the tourist industry.
“I’ve yet to see a picture of a turbine in any of VisitScotland’s promotional brochures.”
Infinergy will start a public consultation process at the beginning of next month. Open days will be held at Mortlach Memorial Hall, Dufftown, from 2-7pm on Wednesday, October 9, and Friday, October 11.
The company expects to submit a new application early next year.
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