Scottish Energy Minister Fergus Ewing has rejected a windfarm in Caithness despite the presence of many other huge turbines in close range.
Windfarm objectors are delighted, but “baffled by the inconsistency” of Scottish Government decision making on the issue.
The applicant – Infinergy – is “disappointed” and reviewing its options.
It had plans for 24 turbines on a site currently used for commercial woodland on Limekiln Estate, about a mile south of Reay near the Dounreay atomic plant.
Some of the turbines would have been almost 460ft tall.
Agreeing with the outcome of a public inquiry into the proposal, Mr Ewing said: “We have been clear that windfarms can only be built in the right places and that proposed developments are subject to strict planning laws.
“Our policy strikes a careful balance between utilising Scotland’s significant renewable energy resources whilst protecting our finest scenic landscapes and natural heritage.
“Each application is considered on its merits, which is why I have refused permission for the proposed windfarm at Limekiln in line with the reporter’s recommendation.”
A spokeswoman for Infinergy said: “We’re clearly very disappointed and will be looking at what are options are, going forward.”
Brenda Herrick of the Caithness Windfarm Information Forum said: “This is fantastic news, it’s commonsense at last because it would have been horrendous for the people of Reay and those living all around. It would have been huge.
“I haven’t yet seen the reporter’s decision, but Fergus Ewing is clearly inconsistent. The Baillie windfarm was always in the wrong place because of all the houses around it and the visual blight – but it was consented.”
The Scottish Government has set the nation a target of being renewables-dependent for its electricity needs by 2020.