A planning application for a proposed wind farm in Dumfries and Galloway has been rejected by Energy Minister Fergus Ewing.

The Sandy Knowe Wind Farm would have consisted of 30 turbines.

In his ruling, Mr Ewing said he agreed with Scottish Natural Heritage's concerns that the development would have a significant adverse impact on the landscape and visual affect in the area.

Minister Ewing said: "Scotland has enormous potential for renewable energy that is delivering jobs and investment across Scotland, and I am determined to ensure communities all over Scotland reap the benefits from renewable energy.

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"We need a balanced approach in taking forward this policy and have to consider what impact any development would have on the local area.

"That is why I have refused permission for the proposed Sandy Knowe wind farm, which would have had an unacceptable landscape and visual impact, in the Dumfries and Galloway area."

He concluded: "The Scottish Government wants to see the right developments in the right places, and Scottish Planning Policy is clear that the design and location of any wind farm should reflect the scale and character of the landscape and should be considered environmentally acceptable."

(JP/MH)