PLANS for a windfarm on the ridge of a popular north-east hill which attracted hundreds of objections have been thrown out by councillors.
The bid for a seven-turbine scheme near Cushnie, Alford, was unanimously rejected yesterday in the wake of mass public opposition.
Nearly 600 letters were received by Aberdeenshire Council opposing the windfarm on Pressendye hill, three miles from the border with Cairngorms National Park.
At a meeting of Marr area committee objectors spoke of the “harmful impact” the 410ft turbines, proposed by Cushnie Wind Energy, would have on the scenic countryside spot, which is popular with residents and visitors.
Paul Anderson, of the Stop Turbines on Pressendye group (SToP) said: “This damaging development is far too high a price for our community to pay for the meagre national and local returns.
“The currency which drives our local economy is our landscape.”
Stewart’s Hall at Huntly was filled with objectors who turned up to hear the debate yesterday. Speakers who urged councillors not to back the plans were met with loud applause from the audience.
The loudest cheer was reserved for the unanimous decision by councillors to reject the bid.
Councillor Marcus Humphrey said: “The visual impact of this proposed development would be quite enormous in Upper Deeside.
“The turbines would totally dominate the Howe of Cromar. I don’t think as elected members we can ignore the huge amount of opposition from the public to this application.”
Fellow councillor Peter Argyle said wind energy was important but the turbines have to be in the right place.
“This is absolutely not the right place,” he said.
“This is a hugely important landscape. The Queen’s View towards Tarland in particular is an essential part of the tourism industry.”
Committee chairwoman Moira Ingleby said: “We have a duty to control the impact that proposals like this would have on our areas – a duty to this area, which contains some of the most stunning scenery in Aberdeenshire.”
A Cushnie Wind Energy spokesman said the firm was “convinced” a windfarm in the area would be a benefit to the community.
“We are disappointed that our vision for a windfarm at Cushnie has been turned down,” he said.