An energy firm has been given the go ahead to build taller turbines in the Glenkens.
Energiekontor UK already had planning permission for eight windmills up to 150m tall at Cornharrow near Dalry.
The Scottish Government has now approved a new proposal for seven turbines with a maximum height 180m.
It’s the third time Holyrood had been asked to step in over the plans.
Energiekontor was denied permission by the Scottish Government for 11 turbines in 2018 as it was deemed they would have had “unacceptable, significant adverse impacts on landscape, on enjoyment of cultural heritage, on a route important for recreational use in the countryside and on the amenity of the surrounding area”.
The firm tried again in 2020 with plans for eight turbines up to 150m tall and was this time granted approval on appeal to the Scottish Government.
Their latest appeal for a revised scheme came after the council failed to make a decision within the required timeframe.
Scottish Government reporter Rob Huntley felt the removal of one turbine helped to “limit the landscape” impact that could have been caused.
He acknowledged that from some places on the Southern Upland Way, the turbines would “continue to be prominent features” and have a “negative” visual impact but he did not deem that to be unacceptable.
At one location, there would be “greater visual impact” due to the taller turbines, but the removal of the eighth was deemed “beneficial”.
Another issue was the taller turbines would need aviation lights which “would undoubtedly be noticeable in the areas from which they would be visible”.
But he did not deem their impact to be “unacceptably overwhelming”.
In his conclusion, Mr Huntley said the increased height and need for lights would result in each individual turbine having a greater landscape impact than the original scheme.
But the removal of one turbine meant he felt “the impact would be no greater overall”.
As a result, he granted planning permission with a string of conditions attached.
Meanwhile, Energiekontor UK is planning another windfarm in the Glenkens.
The company, which is involved in a number of schemes, is hoping to build nine turbines as tall as 230m on Divot Hill near Dalry.
Documents lodged with the council show the site is near “several” other windfarm projects, including Blackcraig, Troston Loch, Glenshimmeroch and Margree.
Energiekontor is planning a consultation that would involve an exhibition, community councils and local politicians.
