Councillors are expected to back controversial plans to build four 220ft wind turbines in a small north-east community, despite a raft of objections.
Green energy developer Green Cat Renewables has tabled plans for four turbines and associated infrastructure at a site near Petty Hill, Fyvie.
But the plans have divided the local community, with 52 letters of support and 32 letters of objection submitted to Aberdeenshire Council.
Council planners are backing the scheme however, and will ask members of the Formartine area committee to approve it on Tuesday.
In a report, director of infrastructure services Stephen Archer said: “The proposal has been considered in relation to all relevant planning matters including the key policies contained in the Aberdeenshire local development plan 2012.
“Although there is a level of concern highlighted through representations, especially regarding landscape and environmental impact, the proposal is well scaled to the particular land forms and landscape characteristics.”
Mr Archer recommends the committee approve the development, subject to a host of conditions including restricting the hours during which construction can take place, and the maximum height of the turbines.
But local residents and visitors have concerns about the impact the scheme would have on the nearby Clovey Wood of Rest natural burial ground, as well as Fyvie Castle.
Douglas Traquair, a resident of nearby Rothienorman, said: “Fyvie Castle is a well know landmark and a key tourist attraction in the local area.
“Some people may like turbines but there is a large number of people who find them unattractive. Saturating the local area with industrial structures is not the wisest approach when tourism is a vital source of income for local businesses.”
Mr Douglas added that the turbines would be “very prominent” to drivers on the busy A947 Banff-Aberdeen road.
St Katherine’s resident Lorna Chapman wrote: “They would be too close to the Clovery Woods of Rest. I would choose a final resting place for the peace and quiet in natural surroundings.
“Nearby turbines would deter me from buying a plot there.”
Objections have also been raised about the cumulative impact of adding four more turbines to the area’s landscape, and about “shadow flicker” from the blades.
Members of the Formartine area committee will discuss the proposals when they meet in Ellon on Tuesday morning.