Fresh plans to build a windfarm in rural Aberdeenshire are facing a backlash from locals.
Auchnagatt farmer David Smith wants to instal a series of 300ft turbines across two-and-a-half acres of land to the south-west of the village.
Originally Mr Smith submitted plans for nine wind turbines at the same site, but this was scaled down to four last year after complaints from residents.
Now the 66-year-old’s proposal has been revised again and the number of turbines has been dropped to three.
Mr Smith, of Cloffrickford Farm, already has planning permission to put up four turbines at Skelmonae Farm, near Methlick.
The new turbines would be built at Cloffrickford, Skilmafilly and Denmore and would link up with the Skelmonae project.
But despite being scaled down, Mr Smith’s proposal is facing strong opposition from nearby households.
Aberdeenshire Council planners have received 26 objections during the standard consultation period.
Residents argue that the turbines will be ugly and noisy and could spoil the rural views.
There are also concerns about possible dangers to wildlife.
In a letter to council planners, Quilquox resident Kate Ferries said: “I already have to suffer the sight of these hideous creations on a daily basis from my property.
“My husband, sons and I built this house 21 years ago and thought it was our little piece of heaven. It is rapidly changing to our little piece of hell.”
The latest plans have been submitted by Aberdeen-based SAC Building Design Services, on behalf of Mr Smith. A spokesman said the new layout would reduce the impact on neighbouring properties and the landscape, and added: “Mr Smith and his neighbours have farmed the surrounding land for many years and look to the development of wind power as a way of improving income from the land.
“Mr Smith has helped his neighbours and the local community as much as he could and has tried to involve as many as possible in the project.
“There will substantial spin-off from the wind development to the local community and the local community council will benefit from annual payments.”
The proposal is being considered by council planners and is likely to be brought before members of the local authority’s Buchan area committee in the coming weeks.