Objectors have claimed the latest proposal for a wind farm near the A9 in Caithness could prove a “lethal” distraction to drivers.
Innogy Renewables wants to install 13 turbines of just under 600ft on land a mile south east of Achvanich Farmhouse in Latheron.
The development, which will be known as Stemster, would include access tracks, turbine foundations, transformer plinths and enclosures.
The site covers more than 1,600 acres on the A9, 15 miles south of Thurso.
It is within the Caithness and Sutherland Peatlands which are special protection and conservation areas and Ramsar wetlands, the Flow Country and Berriedale coast, which are special landscape areas, and the Shielton Peatlands which have been designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
Early proposals will be discussed by north planning committee councillors tomorrow before the developers submit full plans in the future.
But concerns have already been raised that the project could have serious consequences for motorists who use the roads around the planned development.
Brenda Herrick of Caithness Windfarm Information Forum said: “The A9 is going to be lethal with all that driver distraction as Stemster is right beside it with Halsary coming soon and all the those on the other side.
“Can you imagine tourists not knowing where to look next? In addition, it’s just west of Golticlay, where the Reporter still hasn’t made up his mind.”
Innogy has argued that the wind farm will generate up to 49MW of electricity and bring benefits to the community in the north of Scotland.
