A wind mast opposed by Torphins Community Council who fear it could be the catalyst for a windfarm has been recommended for approval by Aberdeenshire Council planners.
The application for a temporary 130ft wind-speed monitoring mast on land to the north-west of Minew Farm House, Torphins, will be discussed by councillors on the Marr area committee on Tuesday.
Members of the community council raised concerns at a meeting last month that the mast could lead to a windfarm on the hill behind Pitmurchie House.
The group sent a letter of objection to the council’s planning department concerned that a windfarm could blight views across the area.
Gordon Pirie, planning officer for the community council, said turbines would intrude on a view which is listed as a valued view by Aberdeenshire Council.
“There are 41 protected views that Aberdeenshire has listed and this mast is obviously paving the way for a wind turbine which will have a dramatic impact on the skyline,” he said. “The people are worried. They don’t want to look out of their window at this. We’re not talking about something domestic, we’re talking about something commercial in size.”
Mr Pirie said it was believed the owner of the estate planned to erect a 187ft wind turbine if the wind mast gave positive results. The application has been put forward by Green Cat Renewables.
The council has received six other objections to the plans which say the mast would have an adverse effect on the landscape, would be “highly visible in an area of outstanding natural beauty”, would ruin the “historic view” of Pitmurchie House and could have a damaging effect on the community.
A report to the committee says: “The mast will be located more than two miles from the centre of Torphins and more than 1.2 miles from the settlement of Sundayswells. The closest property to the site is Minew farmhouse some 330 metres (1,082ft) away and separated by a belt of woodland.
“It is considered that the proposal will have an impact on the character, this is inevitable given the height and type of structure. However, it is not considered that the impact will prove detrimental to the character and visual amenity of the area and cognisance is given to the temporary nature of the structure.”
The structure will be allowed to remain in place for two years if approved.