A major energy scheme that could link the north-east to Scandinavia has failed to win the support of locals.
The consortium of firms involved in the NorthConnect project wants to build an onshore converter station in Boddam, just south of Peterhead.
When complete, electricity generated by Norwegian green energy schemes would be sent across the North Sea to Scotland via a 403-mile cable.
It would also take power from Peterhead’s gas-fired power station, as well as windfarms and tidal energy developments, and send it to Scandinavia.
The consortium hopes NorthConnect will lead to more stable household bills in the UK and encourage more investment in renewable energy projects.
But councillors on Buchan’s area committee will hear this week that 20 residents near where the station is planned want it refused.
In a letter to the local authority’s planning department, Lorraine Strachan, who lives in Boddam, says that she and her neighbours are concerned about the impact the scheme would have on the environment and wildlife.
She said: “We understand that a converter station emits a constant buzzing sound and can be heard some distance from it with the intensity of noise levels varying throughout the day and night.
“We do not want to have to live with noise pollution and the negative effects it would have on peoples’ health and well-being, along with the effect on animals and domestic pets.”
Locals are also concerned about the pollution the facility could generate.
“The impact on normal recreational activities such as walking and cycling will be detrimental,” she added.
But Stephen Archer, the council’s head of infrastructure services, has called the project a “development of national importance”.
He said: “Appropriate mitigation can be carried out to ensure that the localised impacts are of a level which can be accepted and the development can be delivered without harm on the local community and surrounding environment.”
The committee will discuss the project at their meeting tomorrow, and their comments will be forwarded to the full council for a final decision.