Plans for another new windfarm for the far north have attracted nearly 1,000 letters of objection.
But despite the widespread opposition, Highland Council’s planning officers have recommended that councillors back the proposals for 24 turbines on the Limekiln Estate, south of Reay in Caithness.
Infinergy, which has applied to erect the turbines south of Creag Leathern, estimates that the development will bring more than £9million to the area in community benefit.
And they are considering whether new mountain bike tracks could be created at the north end of the site.
Project manager Fiona Milligan said that the suggestion had arisen during consultations with the local community.
But despite the proposed benefits, hundreds of people have objected to the scheme. According to a report to the planning committee, 420 people wrote to the council about the plans, including 418 objectors.
And 562 objectors submitted letters to the Scottish Government, which will take the final decision on the plans. The government received 17 letters from supporters.
Caithness West Community Council also lodged a formal objection and submitted an opposition petition with more than 300 signatures.
Objectors raised issues including the visual impact on the area and the cumulative impact of windfarms in Caithness, including the nearby Baillie and Forss developments.
There are also concerns about the noise andwildlife and the effect on traffic.
In their letter to the council, the community council said that they were worried about the visual aspect and the impact on Reay.
Stuart Young, of the Caithness Wind Information Forum, said that Reay would be “overshadowed” by the Limekiln development.
However other statutory bodies, such as Scottish Natural Heritage, the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and Historic Scotland, have not raised any objections.
The windfarm will generate up to 72MW of electricity. A total of 15 turbines will be 456ft tall while nine will be 413ft.
Infinergy’s spokeswoman added that the turbines were more than a mile from the nearest houses.
