The Scottish Government sparked fury last night after it emerged it has overturned a decision to reject a windfarm in Moray.
Local planning convener Douglas Ross and windfarm protester Denise Davis hit out at SNP ministers for upholding an appeal for a six-turbine development on land at Edintore, near Keith, which was thrown out by Moray Council.
Meanwhile, Vento Ludens, the German company behind the plans to erect six 410ft turbines, said it was “absolutely thrilled” by the decision.
The Scottish Government appointed independent reporter Timothy Brian to examine the 18MW proposal, expected to generate enough electricity for 10,512 homes, and he concluded it “would not have an unacceptable visual or landscape impact” on the area.
He added it was “sensitively sited and designed, and is appropriate to the amenity of the area”.
Mr Brian said: “There are no technical reasons to refuse consent for this development which has a measure of local support.”
The development, permitted for 25 years, was approved on the basis Vento Ludens, which has offices in Edinburgh, adhered to 30 conditions which include measures to minimise noise, potential light flicker, remove ineffective turbines and ensure road safety is not compromised during construction.
The firm’s managing director Jay Butler said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the decision to grant consent for the Edintore development.
“The proposal, which has been under close scrutiny over the last year, is an important step in our programme of supporting renewable energy in Scotland.”
Mr Ross said he found the decision “hard to understand” because the development was contrary to the council’s local plan and in an area where many turbines had either been built or approved already.
“The government are currently asking councils to find more preferred search areas but I’m not sure if it is worthwhile if they are going to approve applications regardless of where they are,” added the Conservative councillor.
“Many local people now have serious reservations about local democracy being over-ruled by the SNP Government intent on building windfarms.”
Ms Davis, of Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire, added: “Every time the government permits a developer to take a decision to appeal and then over-turns it, they are over-riding the democratic process and cost taxpayers millions of pounds.”