Moray Council asked to approve new wind turbines in Cairds Wood near Keith
A section of Moray woodland could be wiped out to create new wind turbines.
Moray Council has been asked to grant permission for four new turbines - three of which are up to 180 metres big - to be built in Cairds Wood, near Keith.
If the plans go ahead, it would result in the loss of 18 hectares of woodland.
The whole site would stretch 170 hectares, or nearly 2km, in total and would be run by EDP Renewables.
Three of the turbines would measure 180 metres with one at 149.9 metres. Two of the turbines would be fitted with red aviation lights with a combined generating capacity of 16.8MW.
The planned site would also include access tracks, drainage, buried cables and a temporary area for construction including parking and welfare facilities.
If approved the site would be operational for 40 years.
The application will be presented to Moray Council’s planning and regulatory committee on Tuesday, October 21.
Council officers are recommending that permission is granted, subject to a number of conditions being met.
A number of residents have objected over visual, noise, traffic and environmental concerns.
Edintore Wind Farm have also objected on the ground that it would reduce their energy output by approximately two per cent, but the report found that the percentage was not sufficient enough to “materially prejudice the operation.”
The proposed site lies within 2km of 65 homes and a further 45 would be visually impacted if plans are approved.
However, it was concluded in the report that, despite significant visual effects, a “reasonably balanced appearance has been achieved”.