Councillors vote against Skye wind farm plans

Highland councillors have rejected plans for a nine-turbine wind farm near Edinbane in north-west Skye.

Councillors voted eight to five against the proposed Balmeanach Wind Farm. Turbines with a maximum height of 150m (492ft) were planned.

Council officials had recommended approval of the application - which attracted more than 180 objections, including from RSPB who were concerned about the risk to birds of prey.

Developer Wind2 said it was disappointed by the decision.

Skye councillor Drew Millar spoke against the plans during a meeting of Highland Council's north planning committee.

He raised concerns about the impact on white tailed sea eagles and the landscape.

A spokesperson for Wind2 said: "We are very disappointed by the decision of the planning committee today, especially considering the work that has been done to mitigate the potential impacts of the project and the recommendation for approval issued by the planner.

"We will further review the planning committee's response to the application before preparing an appeal."