Argyll and Bute Council has said an application to construct a wind farm in Cove has been withdrawn.

The proposals were for the development of five wind turbines (up to 92.5m high) with associated control building, hardstandings, underground cabling and construction compound. This is in addition to the formation of a new access track and the upgrading of the existing track on land at Barbour Farm, Knockderry Farm And Clynder Woodland.

The plans, however, were withdrawn by applicant Rosneath Peninsula West Community Development Trust.

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In a statement on their website, the Trust said confirmed it had cancelled the planning application.

It added: "The problem arises in the failure to agree an Option and Lease Agreement with the landowners prior to the conclusion of the planning process. The Trust, and its funders and lawyers, are clear that such agreement is essential as any planning permission applies to the relevant land. It does not belong to the applicant.

"Therefore, without the security afforded by an option agreement, there is nothing to prevent the landowners selling the planning permission to another developer.

"Unfortunately, although the terms of the Option and Lease Agreement were agreed in November 2012, we have been unable to get these documents signed. This is despite repeated assurances that the landowners were content with the agreement and that matters would be brought to a swift conclusion. It is unfortunate that despite all our efforts we have been unable to get the agreement signed within the available time."

(JP/CD)