Plans to build nine-turbine wind farm near village met with opposition

A planning application to build a nine-turbine wind farm near a Ross-shire village has been met with an objection from the Highland Council.

The local authority has lodged its opposition to the proposed Carn Fearna wind farm, to be situated near Garve.

A letter detailing the local authority’s response notes that it objected on the grounds that the development would negatively impact the surrounding environment, including Ben Wyvis.

But the application falls under section 36, which means a final decision on the proposal will have to come from the Scottish Government.

The council’s objection will be put to the Energy Consents Unit, and a final decision will be made at a later date.

Carn Fearna was proposed by energy firm Statkraft, and if approved by the Scottish Government, would be built four kilometres north-east of Garve and operate for a period of 50 years.

The proposed development would form part of the existing Corriemoillie substation, which is now in stage two of a separate extension proposal.

The site would cover an area of approximately 1003 hectares or 100km, including moorland and a small patch of forest. A new access junction would also be created off the A835.

Five of the wind turbines would have a blade tip of up to 200m, with four at a maximum of 180m.