Plans for the installation of two wind turbines at Kinloch in St Fergus have been rejected.

The Buchan Area Committee was told during a meeting at Peterhead’s Arbuthnot House that the Ministry of Defence raised objections to the proposal due to the possibility of interference with RAF radar equipment.

The turbines would have measured nearly 80m in height.

Applicants had tried to resolve the MoD’s concerns, but opposition to the proposal was maintained.

Planning officer Wendy Forbes explained to the committee how a Planning Service Assessment would be needed following any approval of the scheme.

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One applicant, Mr Chapman, told the committee that the two new turbines would have an "insignificant" effect on the RAF radar equipment.

He said the MoD had behaved in a "high-handed and dismissive" manner in its attitude to the development.

"Our development is indistinguishable to what is already there. The MoD needs to be held to account," he said.

Councillor Alan Gardiner asked Mr Chapman about the role of MoD consultants, Kinetic, to which Mr Chapman replied: "Kinetic are there only to lay out the facts. The MoD have not looked at our case in as much detail as we have."

There was support for the MoD’s decision. During the debate, Councillor Alan Buchan stated that he supported the MoD’s views and believed the application should be rejected.

Councillor Stephen Smith said the MoD had not addressed the specifics of the proposed development.

The committee eventually rejected the planning application by 8-2 votes following the close of the debate.

(IT)