A public inquiry has begun into plans to build a 31-turbine windfarm near Cairngorms National Park.

The inquiry in Aviemore will be addressing German firm RWE Npower Renewables’ plans to develop a new site at Allt Duine in the Monadhliath Mountains.

The plans have been backed by Kincraig Community Council, but various groups, such as the Mountaineering Council of Scotland, oppose the plans.

It is thought the turbines will be as tall as 125m (410ft), although the developer has said the height will be restricted to 110m (360ft) in some areas.

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The Highland Council already opposed the plans, voting nine to three against the windfarm.

But the Scottish government will have the final say, and has launched the inquiry to assess the Council’s rejection.

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland says it is aware of the need to generate renewable energy, but warns that the new windfarm could spoil the natural landscape of the Cairngorms.

Chief officer David Gibson said: "We support green energy generation but this scheme involves dumping 15,500 tonnes of concrete and miles of roads in mountain areas of national importance and beauty.

"Wind farms are supposed to have a lifetime of 25 years, we would therefore expect developers to include proposals for site restitution in their plans as evidence of good stewardship of the environment.

"This public inquiry should protect our precious natural environment by putting a stop to this completely inappropriate project."

The Cairngorms National Park Authority has also objected to the proposal. It says some of the turbines could come as close as 900m (2,952ft) from the park's boundary.

(IT)