The Scottish Government has rejected Moray Counci's proposal for a ban on wind turbine applications.
Derek Mackay, the Minister for Local Government and Planning, refused to sanction the authority's request for a moratorium on wind farms, stating that such a move would be "an unprecedented step in Scottish Planning practice".
The reaction comes as a blow to the council leadership in Moray, who had argued that it was sensible to implement a moratorium on wind turbine decision-making until the conclusion of a public consultation on the subject.
Mackay did welcome the news that Moray Council is consulting on planning guidance for onshore wind turbines, arguing that the Scottish Government wanted to see an increase in the country's renewable energy generation capability.
However, in his letter to council leader Allan Wright, Mackay made clear his opposition to the notion of a moratorium, the request for which was made on July 3 by members of the authority's Planning and Regulatory Services Committee.
"I am disappointed that our request has been refused by the Minister," said Wright.
"I felt it was a reasonable one, given that we are asking the people of Moray for their views on wind turbine planning for the future."
His frustration with the Scottish Government's stance was echoed by Cllr Douglas Ross, the chair of the committee which approved the original recommendation.
"When the committee announced we were seeking a moratorium from the Scottish Government, we received significant support from the local community," said Ross.
"This response will be a bitter blow to many people across Moray, who felt it was a sensible and proportionate move."
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