CONTROVERSY: Plans for nine new turbines in Stirlingshire have been approved Pic: © STV
Stirling Council has approved proposals to build nine new turbines at an existing wind farm, despite recommendations from its own planning officials to refuse it.
Historic Scotland also recorded its concerns over three of the 377-feet-tall structures at Earlsburn Wind Farm near Fintry, saying views from Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument could be diminished.
It believes the proposed turbines would blot the skyline in views westwards from the "nationally important" monuments, but the council's planning panel, made up of councillors, dismissed the objections.
Council planning officials had also recommended refusal of the application as the proposals were contrary to its structure plan, and concerns regarding an impact on the Gargunnock Hills skyline.
The councillors said the turbines at Ling Hill, northwest of Earlsburn Wind Farm, would not have a "detrimental impact" on the environment as the application is an extension, and that infrastructure to accommodate it is already in place.
The council said it received 36 letters in support of the plans and seven letters of objection.
Visual impact
Chairman of the planning panel, Councillor Alasdair MacPherson, said: "Whilst there may be some visual impact caused by the proposal, the panel does not believe it is so significant as to warrant refusal of the application.
"I believe we have a duty to try and meet the government's renewable energy targets and this application represents an extension to the existing Earlsburn Wind Farm, and is supported by a number of community councils in close proximity to the site.
"Although there is a technical objection from NATS in relation to radar interference, I believe that this is something the applicant can resolve with NATS.
"This is a fine example of community empowerment which will see economic benefits brought to the communities that neighbour the wind farm for many years to come."
The plans, by green energy operators RDC Scotland Limited, are conditional on the clarification of air safety issues and the successful conclusion of a legal agreement.
Nine 377-feet turbines will have a generation capacity of 22.5 megawatts.
