A row has erupted over plans to build a wind turbine in the centre of a north-east town.
The 100ft mast is at the centre of a plan to make the Princess Royal Park at Banff the first football ground in Scotland to generate its own power.
The Princess Royal Sports and Community Trust, which has tabled its bid with Aberdeenshire Council, said the scheme offered a “sensible approach” to reducing its carbon footprint and saving on energy costs.
The park, which is in the town’s conservation zone, is home to Highland League side Deveronvale FC.
But the proposal has attracted complaints from local people who are calling it a potential eyesore and a “blot on the landscape”.
Petition sheets have now been distributed around the town and the Banff Preservation and Heritage Society has already lodged a formal complaint with planners.
In his letter to Aberdeenshire Council, secretary Charles Burnett writes: “Apart from the unsuitability of such a tall structure within a low area of the royal burgh, this society has not seen any evidence of what impact the structure will have on television and radio reception.
“Although the structure appears to fulfil current fashionable concerns with the natural environment, it completely ignores – in the most selfish manner – the built environment of Banff.”
An objection has also been lodged by the town’s business association.
Chairman John Calder said: “I think it’s a blot on the landscape. We are talking about a historic town here.
“The particular area where this would be put is a conservation area. It is also situated very close to the main thoroughfare and is very close to Duff House and the Banff Bridge, which are both A-listed.”
The plans were first unveiled by the sports club a year ago.
The 100kw of energy generated would be used by the trust, with any surplus sold.
Princess Royal Trust manager Alan Still said: “We are not trying to be contentious in any way. I am not surprised at the reaction but, as always, our door is open and I would invite people to come down and discuss it.”