A CONTROVERSIAL bid to build a windfarm in rural Aberdeenshire has been backed by councillors.
A trio of 300ft masts are planned for a three-acre agricultural plot south of Auchnagatt.
Farmer David Smith had originally proposed to build nine turbines at the site, but scaled down the project after complaints from neighbours.
Now the scheme has been supported by members of the Buchan area committee, despite warnings from Aberdeenshire Council planners that the area is becoming overpopulated with turbines.
Mr Smith won planning permission to erect four turbines at nearby Skelmonae Farm in 2008.
The scheme, which went live last year, provides enough electricity to power more than 5,000 homes.
Buchan councillors were asked to rule on the latest scheme which is earmarked for land at Cloffrickford, Skilmafilly and Denmore.
The plans were originally lodged by Mr Smith last year, but were rejected by the council’s infrastructure services committee (ISC).
They were revised and resurrected earlier this year, with the turbines now moved further away from properties at Denmore.
Local area councillors narrowly approved the plan with a six-five vote, but a final decision will be made by members of the ISC later this year.
Central Buchan councillor Peter Chapman said: “I remember when the committee was first asked to consider these plans and we all unanimously supported them. Since then nothing much has changed.”
Peterhead councillor Stuart Pratt added: “It’s virtually the same application, but we should maybe learn from the infrastructure service committee and refuse this.”
Aberdeenshire Council received 158 letters and e-mails about the scheme, although 114 of these were in support.
A petition with 24 signatures backing the scheme was also submitted.
Opponents argued that there were too many turbines in the area. Concerns were also raised about potential noise problems. Last month, councillors in the neighbouring Formartine area were asked for their views on the plan.
Some criticised the “subjective” tone of the report, which warned that the turbines would “detrimentally change” the Buchan landscape, while others felt the existing noise problems would only be exacerbated by more masts.