Plans for three turbines on farmland near Dingwall are being recommended for approval by council officers, despite concerns about the impact on red kites in the area.
Farmer James Brown wants to erect the devices, which will generate 400kV of electricity, at Somerby Farm, Lochussie. The turbines would be 149ft high.
Highland Council has received eight letters of objection, which raised concerns about the impact on wildlife, local properties and tourism.
The proposed turbines are close to the Tollie Red Kite Centre at Brahan. The centre offers the chance to see the birds of prey close up, including watching them feed.
Maryburgh Community Council objected on several grounds, including that the development would have an impact on red kites.
Members also felt that there would be a negative visual impact on the surrounding area, including Ben Wyvis, and a loss of amenity for walkers, tourists and local residents.
Meanwhile, Ferintosh Community Council said they feared the turbines represented the start of “planning creep” along the south-east slopes and down to the Cromarty Firth.
They added that there would be “unacceptable visual intrusion” into an area of high visual sensibility.
However neither the RSPB nor Scottish Natural Heritage objected.
The RSPB said that there were no nesting kites or ospreys within 1,100 yards.
However they conceded that because the turbines were planned for a windy ridge used by soaring kites, there may a small risk to the birds.
In a report to Highland Council’s north planning application committee, Sally Morton has recommended approval of the plans, subject to conditions covering issues such as visual amenity and road safety.
The committee will be asked to make a decision on the plans at their meeting on Tuesday in Inverness at 10.30am.