A turbine has been earmarked for planning approval near a popular castle despite concerns about its impact.
Inverurie energy firm Green Cat Renewables lodged proposals for a 275ft turbine near Fyvie Castle last year and on Tuesday will be told whether or not it can go ahead with the build.
Local councillors have been advised that the turbine is acceptable by planning chiefs, but will also hear that the village’s community council has voiced opposition to the project.
In a letter to planning officers, the group’s chairman, Gordon Duncan, raised fears that the noise generated by the machine would be audible and that there were already a “large number” of turbines in the region.
“At a meeting of the Fyvie, Rothie and Monquhitter Community Council on Tuesday, October 31, it was decided unanimously to object,” he said.
Stephen Archer, the council’s director of infrastructure services, has dismissed the group’s concerns.
“The proposal will not have a significant visual impact upon the landscape and the turbine will operate within acceptable noise thresholds,” he said in his report.
On its potential impact on Fyvie Castle, he added: “The council’s built environment planner has advised that the proposed turbine will not affect the setting of any listed buildings.
“This recommendation is based on the fact that there are a number of large turbines already located within this
area.
“It is noted that Historic Environment Scotland has not made any comments on the proposal and similarly Scottish Natural Heritage offered no comment as the application fell below the requirements for consultation.”
Aberdeen Airport has also not objected to the scheme.
The RSPB, however, has suggested monitoring measures to ensure
that wildlife is not endangered.
Councillors will make a decision on the turbine when the Formartine area committee meets in Ellon on Tuesday.
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