A green energy firm has claimed its generating capacity will be cut if a planned development nearby wins approval and “steals” the wind.
Ellis-Hall Consultants believes its 15 turbines at Buolfruich, north of Dunbeath, could be up to a quarter less productive if Caithness Power’s scheme goes live.
Caithness Power wants permission to erect four turbines about a mile away, on Upper Smerral, Houstry.
Highland Council officials are recommending the application is rejected – but not because of the potential impact it would on the existing windfarm.
Senior planner, David Mudie, says in a report to the local authority’s north area planning committee: “It is possible there could be some loss of productivity in certain wind conditions.”
But he said there was no specific council policy to sustain the objection, which has been lodged by Ellis-Hall’s chief operating officer, Tony Hall.
Mr Mudie is advising councillors to reject the new turbines because of their visual impact.
He says: “The development would be visually prominent, indeed dominant, in some views from tourist routes, particularly the A99 and A9 southbound.”
Mr Mudie is also concerned about potential noise problems and shadow flicker.
Caithness Power dismissed Mr Hall’s claims . A spokesman said: “If you consider the separation between the proposed project and the turbines at Buolfruich, the claim of stealing wind is wrong.”
